Author: Julie Mullen

Le Colonial, the acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant located at 601 East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, has added six items to its curated dinner menu.

New selections include three soup and salad items and three large plates.

New soup and salad options include Sup Ga Cay, Spicy Chicken Soup ($17), with Amish farm chicken breast, Shiitake and Shimeji mushrooms, scallion and cilantro in a spicy coconut broth; Goi Du Du, Crunchy Green Papaya Salad ($18), featuring green papaya, cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, spicy red curry dressing and cashews; and Goi Bo, Spicy Beef Salad ($24), with char grilled Teres Mejor beef, farm greens, Thai chili and lemongrass, served with sweet chili and agave dressing.

The latest additions to the large plate menu include Vit Quay, Half Roasted Duck ($55), organic tea-cured Hudson Valley duck, Bao buns, pickled vegetables and tamarind ginger sauce; Bo Nuong Sate, Grilled Steak Au Poivre ($58), with Chargrilled Heritage Teres Mejor beef, bell peppers, gailan sautéed tomatoes and sate sauce; and Hu Tieu Xao Bo, Beef Stir Fry ($34), with flat rice noodles, cage free egg, bean sprouts, Shiitake mushrooms, jalapeño, scallions, peanuts, Thai basil and chili sate.

“Our new menu items reflect Le Colonial’s ongoing dedication to culinary excellence,” said Sean Smith, Regional Director. “Introducing new offerings allows us to keep the experience fresh and exciting for our guests, ensuring every visit feels special.”

All ten new menu items are available now for in person dining and to-go orders at Le Colonial Delray Beach.

Josie’s Ristorante, the family-owned Italian favorite located in East Boynton Beach, has introduced its new Summer Happy Hour, featuring significantly reduced prices. Summer Happy Hour is available every day from open to 6 p.m. and late night from 9 p.m. to close. Prices have been lowered on a list of Happy Hour light bites, including Shrimp Bada Bing (previously $8, now $6), Fried Chicken (previously $12, now $7), the Prime Short Rib Meatball (previously $8, now $6) and Calamari Fritti (previously $11, now $9). Prices have also been slashed on 12” pizzas, including the Sebastiano (previously $14, now $12), which features roasted garlic, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, parmesan, tomato sauce and mozzarella and the classic Margarita Pizza (previously $13, now $11). Customers can also enjoy summer happy hour beverages, including house wine (previously $6, now $5), select bottled beers ($4), select draft beer (previously $4, now $3.50), house spirits (now $6, previously $7) and premium spirits (now $7, previously $8). Additionally, cocktails including the Limoncello Martini, Cosmopolitan and Pomegranate Ginger Paloma are available for just $10 each. Summer Happy Hour is available now.

Hilton West Palm Beach is rolling out the scholastic red carpet to honor hard-working educators. It’s time to relax, recharge, and receive some A+ pampering!  

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, Hilton West Palm Beach is offering a special treat for educators with a Summer Educator Pass. The $20 pass gives teachers a chance to unwind and appreciate a well-deserved day off in a relaxing oasis.

The Summer Educator Pass includes:

  • Access to the Hotel’s palm-lined resort pool
  • Lounge chairs (first come, first served)
  • Towel service
  • 10% off food and drinks from La Playa Poolside Bar & Grill
  • Complimentary access for 1 accompanying guest
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Complimentary valet parking

The Summer Educator Pass is available May–August (Monday–Thursday).

To purchase a Summer Educator Pass, click here. Must show Educator's ID at check-in.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

This May, the iconic Hilton West Palm Beach’s lawn will turn into an oasis showcasing a variety of interactive programming. From intimate wine dinners and poolside soirées to feel-happy fitness classes, Hilton invites guests and locals to recharge and reconnect this month.  
 
Culinary Experiences 
Sip Into Cinco Cocktail Class 
Thursday, May 1 
7-9pm 
$60++ per adult  
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a spirited twist! This exclusive cocktail class dives into the vibrant history of tequila while guests shake, stir, and sip two custom tequila cocktails crafted by lead mixologist, Hauk Cornell. Guests will also enjoy Mexican light bites, live Latin classical guitar music, and cocktails including “From Jalisco, With Love” and “A Bountiful Harvest.” For reservations, click here. 
 
Lingua Franca Wine Pairing Dinner 
Wednesday, May 7 
7-10pm 
$225++ per adult 
Partake in a five-course feast under the stars complemented by violin entertainment and fine wine from Lingua Franca Vineyards. In honor of the MOSAIC celebration this May, $50 will be donated to the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, which has supported local arts and culture since 1978. To purchase tickets, click here 
 
Bites and Beats 
Friday, May 9 
5-9pm 
Free Admission 
Join us at our last Bites & Beats of this season! Enjoy local food trucks featuring Tight Lines Food Shack and Cool & Creamy, specialty cocktails and grill items from Galley, and live music by DJ Cristi Hernz. To register, click here. 
 
Mother’s Day Brunch at Galley 
Sunday, May 11 
10am-2pm 
$115 per adult | $45 per child (ages 5-12) | Complimentary for children 4 and under 
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable brunch experience at Galley. Treat mom to a lavish buffet featuring all her favorites—from a made-to-order omelet station and live Parilla grill to a raw bar with crab, oysters, and smoked salmon. Plus, a welcome glass of champagne and professional photos to take home. For reservations, click here. 
 
Health and Wellness 
Sculpt & Sweat  with Cloe Mimun 
Saturdays 
9-9:45am 
$10 per person 
Free for hotel guests  
Join personal trainer Cloe  Mimun for a low-impact HIIT style class which incorporates barre and Pilates style movements while using bodyweight to increase the intensity.  All levels are welcome. To register, click here. 
 
Sunrise Yoga with 1 Fitness 
Sundays 
8-8:45am 
$10 per person 
Free for hotel guests 
Wake up the mind and spirit with breathwork and yoga.  1 Fitness will lead guests through flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as focus on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility.  All levels are welcome. Celebrate with a post-class mimosa or orange juice. To register, click here. 
 
Surfer’s Shred with Built by Boltz 
Fridays, May 9 and May 23 
9-9:45am 
$10 per person 
Free for hotel guests 
Get surf-strong and wave-ready with a high-energy Surfer’s Shred class. It's all about building the core strength, agility, and stamina needed to ride longer and stronger. This is a hybrid land and water aerobics class starting on the hotel’s Event Lawn and ending in the pool for a cool down. No surfing experience required. Swimsuits are required. Must be able to swim on one’s own. To register, click here. 
 
Full Moon Yoga with Brit Lukas 
Monday, May 12 
8-9pm 
$10 per person 
Free for hotel guests 
Harness the powerful energy of the full moon as you release, recharge, and realign. Join Brit Lukas as she guides you through a gentle heart opening practice under the full moon. This is a yin yoga practice open to all levels. Please bring your own yoga mat. To register, click here.
 
Changing Frequencies: A Sound Healing Class 
Tuesday, May 20 
8-9pm 
$10 per person 
Free for hotel guests  
Local guru Martha Popova will guide participants through the ancient art of sound healing which helps with relaxation and mindfulness. The 60-minute class also includes meditation and reiki techniques to attain a higher state of well-being.  Please bring your own yoga mat. To register, click here 
 
Pool Activations 
Poolside Sessions 
Saturdays 
12-4pm 
$25+ 
Hilton's weekly pool party is the perfect spot for luxurious relaxation and live music. Enjoy weekend food and drinks specials at the poolside bar, La Playa.  Non-hotel  guests may purchase a ResortPass for day access  here. 
 
Latin Lazy Sundays 
1st and 3rd Sundays 
1-5pm 
$25+ per person 
Free for hotel guests 
Add some spice to the weekend with poolside Patron specials, complimentary salsa and bachata lessons, and Latin-inspired beats by DJ Jorge Charun. Non-hotel  guests may purchase a ResortPass for day access  here. 
 
Lazy  Sundays 
2nd and 4th Sundays 
1-5pm 
$25+per person 
Free for hotel guests 
Bask in the sun, take a dip in the resort-style pool, and enjoy great music,  dancing, poolside  bites, and  vacation-inspired  sips.  Non-hotel  guests may purchase a ResortPass for day access  here. 
 
Live Music 
Jazz Nights at Palma 
Fridays and Saturdays 
6-9pm 
Sway to the smooth sounds of live jazz at Palma, a glamorous, golden sanctuary tucked in Hilton’s lobby. Sip signature cocktails from Palma Bar and let the music set the perfect weekend mood.  
 
Cinema 
Moonlight Movies 
Friday, May 23 
8-10pm 
Enjoy a  movie  screening of “Luca” and complimentary popcorn on Hilton’s back lawn. Grab a lounge chair or blanket and cuddle up under the stars with family favorites and cult classics. 
 
For a full list of hotel programming, visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com/hotel-activities. 
 
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more  information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit  hiltonwestpalmbeach.com. 

On Wednesday, May 7, at 7pm, enjoy an oenophilic tour of celebrated Oregonian vintages beneath a blanket of stars at Galley located at Hilton West Palm Beach. Inspired by Willamette Valley’s most illustrious terroirs, guests will savor a five-course feast presented by Galley’s executive chef Rodrigo Mezadri. Each course will be complemented by violin music and fine wine from Lingua Franca Winery. The evening’s special guest is wine consultant Sherri Griffith who will present tasting notes on each tantalizing pour. The evening’s menu: FIRST COURSE Seafood Ceviche Scallop | Lobster | Shrimp | King Crab | Yellowtail Snapper | Leche De Tigre | Coconut Froth Featured wine: Lingua Franca Estate Chardonnay 2022   SECOND COURSE House-Cured Faroe Island Salmon Orange Cured | Avocado Mousse | Beets | Maple Vinaigrette Featured wine: Lingua Franca Estate Pinot Noir 2022   THIRD COURSE Woodfire Grilled Chicken Airline Chicken Breast | Herb Mashed Potato | Asparagus | Cognac Dijon Cream Featured wine: Lingua Franca Tongue 'n Cheek Pinot Noir 2022   FOURTH COURSE Australian Lamb Chop Thyme Carrot Mousseline | Broccolini | Blackberry Demi Featured wine: Lingua Franca Mimi's Mind Pinot Noir 2022   FIFTH COURSE Key Lime Tart Yuzu Lemon Curd | Strawberry Gelée   Cost is $225 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Complimentary valet. To purchase tickets, click here. Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

On Cinco de Mayo, make a culinary b-line for Hilton West Palm Beach, where guests can indulge in a delicious array of experiential quaffing classes, gourmand adventures, and pool party celebrations. Snag a seat at Galley for the “Sip into Cinco” Cocktail Experience on May 1, from 7-9pm. Join lead mixologist, Hauk Cornell, for an interactive cocktail-making class featuring tequila-laced cocktails, Mexican light bites, and live Latin classical guitar music. Cost is $60. Make a reservation here. On May 3–5, salud in the sultry weekend at La Playa. Feeling noshy? The hotel’s beach-chic restaurant will be serving Agua Chile Ceviche ($18), Birria Tacos ($20), Loaded Chicken Tamales ($16), and Dulce de Leche Churros ($14). Poolside drink especiales include a Mexican Mule and the boozy Patron Cocktail Tree ($65). Poolside Sessions on May 3, from 12-4pm, is the perfect pitstop for luxurious lounging, plein air gastronomy, and vacation-mode beats by DJ Cristi Hernz. Purchase a ResortPass here. Turn up the caliente during Latin Lazy Sundays on May 4, from 1-5pm. Enjoy poolside Patron specials, complimentary salsa and bachata lessons, and Latin-inspired beats by DJ Jorge Charun. Purchase a ResortPass here. Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Hundreds of volunteers from Boca West Country Club participated in the Third Annual Hope Week, January 27-February 2, held by Boca West Cares. A number of local charities were recipients of Boca West members’ time, including Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps, Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah, Fuller Center, Habitat for Humanity-Greater Palm Beach County, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Place of Hope-The Leighan & David Rinker Campus, Boca Helping Hands, Tri-County Animal Rescue, Boca West Children’s Foundation and the Lynn Cancer Institute - Boca Raton Regional Hospital. More than 300 members volunteered and donated over 10,000 hours. “Hope Week gave our club members the opportunity to learn about a number of non-profits while making a difference,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President, COO and General Manager of Boca West Country Club.” Here's what Boca West Country Club members did for each non-profit: Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah—Volunteers made items for Fuller Center and Place of Hope (The Leighan and David Rinker Campus), as well as Gandel Rehabilitation Center and Hadassah Hospital in Israel. Boca West Children’s Foundation--Volunteers sorted, labeled, and packed backpacks with school supplies. Fuller Center--Volunteers created inspirational bracelets with the Center’s afterschool students. The bracelets, filled with well wishes, were given to patients at Lynn Cancer Institute. Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County-Volunteers read one on one or with a small group of elementary students and participated in activities with the kids. The kids got to keep a copy of the book and take home the activity. Habitat for Humanity Home Build, Greater Palm Beach County, South Bay--Members worked alongside Habitat families on a siding project. Place of Hope, The Leighhan & David Rinker Campus, Boca Raton--Volunteers sorted and organized clothing, children’s items, diapers and more and cleaned out the non-perishable food pantry. Boca Helping Hands--Volunteers packed non-perishable items in pantry bags and boxes, as well as stocked and sorted food. Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps--Volunteers made decorative centerpieces for a card party. Habitat for Humanity Home ReStore—Greater Palm Beach County--Volunteers sorted donations. Tri-County Animal Rescue--Volunteers participated in an orientation class, then walked, sat with, held and read to dogs. Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital--Volunteers put together a box breakfast that was served following the Run for the Ribbons, assisted cancer patients and their families with tile painting for the Cancer Legacy Day Tile Painting Celebration, which celebrates cancer patients, and gave out wellness bracelets made by Fuller Center kids. “Hope Week 2025 was a big success. Boca West residents enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different nonprofits while giving of their time,” Danny Schulman, Hope Week Chairman said. Hope Week Steering Committee members included Matthew Linderman, CCM President, COO & General Manager of Boca West Country Club, Danny Schulman, Steering Committee Chairman and Board of Governors, Jeanine Banks, Chairman of the Board, Steve Roth, Steering Committee Vice Chair and Board of Governors. Staff participants include Christina Guilianti, Director of Activities and Kathy Kohlhepp, Director of Communications and Marketing.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) has appointed Igor Alterman President and CEO of the organization. He leads a dynamic organization that serves as the central address for Jewish life in the greater Boca Raton, Florida area. “I accepted the leadership role to not only harness the youthful vibrancy and growing numbers of Jewish families who have recently relocated to the region, but also to build upon the charitable foundation established by long-standing members of Boca Raton’s diverse Jewish community,” said Alterman. Previously, as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, he spearheaded record-breaking annual campaigns, full-scale organizational digital transformation, and unified the community in the aftermath of October 7th. With dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Religious Education and experience spanning philanthropy, higher education, and Jewish communal leadership, he has a proven track record of advancing mission-driven organizations. Prior to his Federation leadership, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the University of Miami Hillel, where he oversaw a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, facility expansion, and strategic partnerships with private foundations and international organizations. He also served at Hillel organizations at Cornell University and Ithaca College. A Wexner Fellow and ROI Schusterman Community Member, his professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening Jewish life through strong nonprofit leadership. Born in Russia and having lived and studied in Israel, Igor is deeply connected to the global Jewish community. He resides in South Florida with his wife, Olga, their two children, David and Alice, and their dog, Quentin, named after a renowned film director.

[caption id="attachment_5135" align="alignright" width="214"] Photography by LuAnn Warner-Prokos at WP Photography[/caption] The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Vegso Community Resource Center (VCRC) at the Countess DeHoernle Building on February 13. The Center, which serves as the organization’s headquarters, is a resource for community non-profits to hold meetings. The VCRC also houses the Newman/Craske Family Foundation Center grant resource library and is a venue for non-profit training sessions hosted by the Junior League. The VCRC serves as a resource for a number of organizations, including Impact 100, Diaper Bank Covering South Florida and Nonprofits First. “We were delighted to celebrate this milestone,” said Nikki Stelzer, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “The building has been such an incredible asset over the years to both the League and other non-profits in the community. Anne and Peter Vegso were honored at the event for having named the building. Pattie Damron was recognized for chairing Funding the Future, a capital campaign for the VCRC. Event co-chairs were Nicole Mugavero and Lisa Warren. Many members of the Junior League and the community at large have contributed over the years to the building’s maintenance through the Junior League of Boca Raton Endowment. “Maintaining this community resource over the years has been our mission,” said Lisa Bariso, Endowment Board President. “We were so delighted to celebrate 20 years of making a difference in the community.”

Norman Love Confections, the premier chocolatier specializing in edible artistry and Internationally renowned for ultra-premium, artisanal chocolates, is coming soon to Boca Raton, its second location in Palm Beach County. Set to open later this spring at Boca Village Square by Town Center, 21200 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, the salon will be the company’s eighth retail location in Florida. Norman Love Confections’ salons offer culinary chocolate creations, confections and gourmet desserts from celebrated chef and chocolatier Norman Love, the company’s founder. The Boca Raton salon will also offer artisanal baked goods, gelato, and a variety of specialty coffees and drinks. Founded in Southwest Florida in 2001, Norman Love Confections is recognized globally for its award-winning, edible artistry featuring handcrafted chocolates, innovative flavor combinations, premium ingredients, and artistic, colorful designs. "We've enjoyed such a warm welcome in South Florida with the opening of our Delray Beach location last year," said Norman Love. "Boca Raton is the ideal market to expand our ultra-premium confections in Palm Beach County and we can't wait to be a part of its thriving community." Norman Love Confections has been named the best premium chocolate company in the United States six times since 2006. In addition to its upscale retail locations, the company sells and ships products nationwide from its website – NormanLoveConfections.com - the demand for which has grown significantly in recent years. Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections attributes the company's success to going above and beyond in their quest for perfection in its products, customer experience and reputation. “Each one of our chocolates is handcrafted and brings to life our vision of celebrating Artistry in Chocolate,” said Fisher. “We don’t add preservatives or have mass assembly lines, and the end result is a signature line that tastes and looks unlike anything else.” Retail and online offerings include Signature Gift Boxes, available in sizes from 5 to 50 pieces and include an assortment of flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Sea Salt Caramel, Sicilian Pistachio and more; Norman Love Confections BLACK line, a must-try collection for any dark chocolate connoisseur, and a variety of specialty gift boxes including the Chocolate Truffles Gift Box, Macaron Gift Boxes, and many more. Limited-edition holiday collections are offered throughout the year around holidays including Christmas, Hannukah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and more. To learn more about Norman Love Confections, visit www.normanloveconfections.com.