What the Cluck? A Chicken Cacciatore Clash
Of all the common Italian chicken dishes — parmesan, marsala, piccata among them — my favorite is cacciatore. (The one exception being my later mother’s chicken parmesan, which was class by itself.) When I set out to feature cacciatore this week, I found parmesan, marsala and piccata on nearly every menu, but had to spend copious time searching online to find two restaurants that serve cacciatore. That surprised me. True, there’s no Little Italy around here, but we’re not short on Italian restaurants. It’d be nice to see cacciatore on more bills of fare. Our two contestants are: BellaBrava, with three locations — St. Pete, Tampa and Land O’ Lakes — and Frankie’s Italian Chophouse in St. Pete. BELLABRAVA First, congrats to BellaBrava on its 20th anniversary this year. The restaurant opened on Beach Drive and 2nd Avenue — a block west of the St. Pete Pier — well before the area became busy with locals and tourists seven days a week. That activity proved true on Monday at 6:30. BellaBrava’s dining room steadily filled up during our hour-plus visit. We were seated at a cozy four-top next to a window looking out on 2nd Ave. It was splitsy night, so we ordered the Misticanza (mixed salad, $13.99) as a starter for Nona’s Chicken Cacciatore ($24.99). Minor complaint: The entree reached our table when we were about half way through our salad. Followed by a compliment: A plate of fluffy focaccia bread reached our table shortly after we settled in — and it was free. A potent oil/garlic dipping sauce punched it up. A lagniappe much appreciated. Appearance Most chicken cacciatore I’ve seen has pasta beneath or beside it. This version uses polenta. Intriguing. It augured well that BellaBrava makes it cacciatore with chicken thighs rather than breast meat. Taste and Texture The polenta turned out to be a winner. Creamy rather than solid — similar in texture to grits — it mixed splendidly with the chicken, sauce, mushrooms, peppers, onions and whatever else. The delectable bird fell apart in layers. The red sauce was darker and more rustic than most I’ve had. In all, this sublimely savory version paid homage to the dish’s 14th Century origins as “hunters-style” chicken. The Misticanza was a superior house salad. Our server, James, brought us containers of Italian vinaigrette and honey basil dressing to try. The latter was so tasty that I didn’t bother with the former. FRANKIE’S ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE The last time I was in this building it was a gaudy Mexican restaurant stuffed with Day of the Dead iconography. It had horse saddles as barstools. Cute idea, horrible ergonomics. The place closed down in a blink. Frankies’ ownership remade the large space with a front bar and a dark dining room that celebrates its Italian-ness without going overboard on the Rat Pack vibe. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the parking lot was nearly full, and so was the bar. But the dining room was all but empty. David Downing, my friend and frequent FFF consultant, joined me for dinner. We sat in a comfortable booth near a window. The sound system played mostly Motown, but at low volume, allowing us to chat easily. We ordered, to split, the Half-Chicken Cacciatore ($37), and added the Frankie’s Salad ($15), plus a Three Daughters Beach Blonde Ale for each of us. At $6 for a 16-ounce can, it was the best deal of the evening. I had two. Appearance An imposing mound of food sat in a shallow bowl. The chicken and spaghetti were barely visible, smothered in a red sauce that contained large pieces of pepper, onion and mushrooms cut in half. Taste and Texture I paused briefly to formulate a plan of attack — ultimately just plunging in with a knife and fork. I found a bone-in half-chicken and carved it to split with David. He ended up with the thigh and leg, me with the breast. We agreed after eating that it should’ve been the other way around. Whereas the BellaBrave cacciatore was polite and tidy, this version was random and messy — but not in a bad way. The sea of sauce had a winning sweet tinge, and the extra ingredients enhanced the flavor. My white-meat chicken was moist and tasty. The spaghetti was … spaghetti. It proved a little hard to get on the fork — buried, as it was, under chicken and sauce. The house salad consisted of chopped lettuce, a generous amount of cubed ham, pepperoni and cheese, plus slivers of egg and black olives, accompanied by ranch dressing. We scarfed it up. Alas, no bread. And the Winner of the What the Cluck? Chicken Cacciatore Clash Is … BellaBrava. The polenta and the boneless thighs — and the focaccia — were the differentiators for me. It’s quite possible that the next person would prefer the bone-in chicken with the more traditional spaghetti. Both cacciatores were more than worthy. I found BellaBrava’s exemplary.
Weekend Top 10: Free Stuff, Good Causes, Italian Delights, a Broadway Star, and ‘The Shape of Us’ Opening! All Right HERE!
It’s a weekend of art, theater, movies in the park, car & motorcycle shows, an Italian celebration, a big museum anniversary, and some great causes for you to support. Let Registry Tampa Bay curate your calendar and show you the very best of Tampa Bay! Thursday and Beyond Wonder: Art + Healing Symposium Ringling Museum, Sarasota Here’s a great opportunity for a day (or two) trip to our southern neighbors and the amazing Ringling Museum. Wonder is alive in museums as a powerful undercurrent of artistic expression, discovery, and meaningful connection. The 2025 Wonder Symposium will dive deep into wonder as the connective tissue between the arts and healing. We will explore the potential of the arts to inspire wonder, which in turn, promotes healing. Through thought-provoking presentations and inspiring activities and experiences, this symposium will explore the arts as agents of wonder and the role that wonder can play in emotional, mental, and physical healing. The event includes lectures, a Carnival of Wonder and Ringling WONDERground. Now through Saturday, May 16th Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE. For a Good Cause: Word Play: A Competitive Crossword Gala Banquet Masters, Clearwater I have attended this event on several occasions, and I can tell you that it’s a truly fun evening for a very good cause. Voices of Hope for Aphasia will host its third annual Word Play event. Word Play is a fun-filled night of word-game competitions, dinner, and opportunities to support Voices of Hope for Aphasia, with a special tribute to Tampa Bay’s own puzzle master, the late Merl Reagle, the nationally known and syndicated crossword puzzle constructor. Thursday, May 15th @6:30pm Find tickets and more information HERE. Venus in Fur by David Ives – Presented by Dead Canary Theatre Company The Studio @620, DTSP David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer. Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. *Broadway actor and St. Petersburg native, Rachel Prather stars. Opens Thursday, May 15th and runs through Sunday, May 25th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Friday The Shape of Us – Opening Reception The Gallery @Creative Pinellas. Largo This is truly an important show! (I got a sneak peek). So, join in for the opening reception of The Shape of Us, an inspiring exhibition curated by Freddie Hughes that brings together six talented Pinellas County artists. Experience a dynamic collection of work that explores how identity, environment, and the shared narratives shape us. Meet the artists, (like Zulu Painter), immerse yourself in vibrant art, and enjoy a fun evening of creativity with music, small bites, and cash bars. This event is free and open to the public. Admission is FREE. Friday, May 16th @6pm – 8pm Find more information HERE. For a Good Cause: Parc Center for Disabilities’ Saddle Up & Support Friday Night Party & Weekend Golf Tournament The James Museum, DTSP & Bardmoor Country Club, Seminole Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of celebration, camaraderie, and community support. The festivities begin on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, featuring a “Western Theme.” So dust off your boots and Saddle Up for a night of fun! On Saturday, May 17, 2025, join us at Bardmoor Country Club for a fantastic day of golf, all in support of Parc’s mission to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities. Party – Friday, May 16th @6:30pm – 10pm Golf Tourney – Saturday, May 17th @1pm Find tickets and more information HERE. OCC Invitational Bike Show OCC Roadhouse & Museum, Clearwater Calling all bikers, builders and custom ride enthusiasts — get ready for the 3rd Annual 2025 OCC Invitational Bike Show at OCC Road House & Museum! From May 16–18, rev up for an action-packed weekend with live music, vendors, top-tier custom builders and the FREE Public Ride-In Bike Show. Whether you’re showing off your ride or just soaking in the scene, this high-octane event is one you won’t want to miss! Fridy, May 16th through Sunday, May 18th Find event schedules and more information HERE. As You Like It by William Shakespeare Carrollwood Community Players Theatre, Tampa A Shakespeare classic and A CWP Black Box Classical Comedy, As You Like It is a pastoral comedy with major themes of love, gender, sexuality, and injustice. The play follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. You can never get too much of the Bard, so check out Carrollwood Community Players and support local theater. Opens Friday, May 16th and runs through Sunday, May 25th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Saturday St. Pete Italian Fest Vinoy Park, St. Pete Come to Vinoy Park this Saturday and experience all things Italian. There will be great food, a full slate of live music and even a cool car show featuring vintage and unique vehicles. There will also be a park full of vendors, a VIP tent, and much more. What a delicious way to spend a Saturday on the beautiful St. Pete waterfront exploring the culture of Italy. Saturday, May 17th @10am – 5pm Find tickets and more information HERE. **Registry Spotlight Event** Not only is this
A Cheese Making Experience
It’s Golf Course Aeration Time in Central Florida
Breathtaking 180-Degree Water Views!
$4,000,000 Welcome to your dream beachfront retreat in the heart of Pass-A-Grille! This stunning, furnished, turnkey three-story home features four bedrooms and three baths, offering unobstructed 180-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a rare blend of luxury, durability, and functionality. Built in 2013 with solid block construction, this home includes concrete decks on all levels, hurricane-rated windows and doors, hurricane clips on the roof, and water-resistant sheetrock (up to 5 feet) on the first floor, ensuring peace of mind and superior storm protection. The open-concept design is ideal for entertaining, with gulf-facing balconies providing front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets. The chef’s kitchen is fully equipped and seamlessly flows into the dining, sitting, and living areas, perfect for an effortless coastal lifestyle. An elevator shaft is already in place from the ground level to the third floor, allowing buyers to install a private elevator. The chef’s open-concept kitchen connects a formal dining area and a separate seating area, all featuring gorgeous water views. The master bedroom boasts stunning water views and features a private balcony, perfect for enjoying serene mornings or captivating sunsets. The ground-level bonus room offers endless possibilities, whether you envision a home gym, yoga studio, office, or a stylish man or she cave. A garage door opens directly to a patio, making it perfect for a future poolside lounge. With a 3-car garage, a 6-vehicle driveway, a fenced property, and new gutters scheduled for installation in late February or early March, this home is truly move-in ready. The oversized 6,686 sq ft lot has plenty of space for a dream-sized pool, outdoor kitchen, grill station, and seating area. The home is just two beach blocks north of Pass-A-Grille’s historic downtown, which offers over a dozen businesses, including restaurants, shops, bars, and boutique hotels. Merry Pier, located downtown, provides fishing and boat charters to Shell Island, Fort De Soto, and Eggmont Key. Seven beach blocks north of the property, you’ll find additional restaurants, bars, and Shaners Meat and Seafood Market for easy local grocery pickups. Experience luxury coastal living in one of the most coveted locations on the Gulf Coast. Don’t miss your chance to own this exceptional beachfront haven! 1205 Gulf Way. Saint Pete Beach, FL 33706 Listed byBrandon Tecklenburg Brokered by EXP REALTY
Spin Class: 2025 Mercedes-Benz all-electric G 580
Talk about a cool party trick guaranteed to gain you celebrity status at the next Cars and Coffee gathering. Mercedes-Benz’ brand new, all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology has, among its considerable technical repertoire, the ability to do a “G Turn”. G What, I hear you exclaim? Courtesy of its four potent electric motors – one for each wheel – which can spin in opposite directions, the 580 can rotate in its own length. Just like a tank. Or Mark Wahlberg in his Marky Mark days doing a break-dancing shoulder spin. You get the picture. Some technique has to be mastered before you try it out for yourself. Start by pressing the “G Turn” button, then pull back and hold either steering wheel paddle shifter – left for a left spin, right for a right – and then hold tight and keep the steering wheel centered. Now mash the throttle and experience the highly-unnerving, overwhelmingly-nauseating sensation of spinning inside this three-and-a-half-ton automotive blender. Thankfully you only get two full pirouettes. No doubt to preserve tires and the contents on your stomach. But pray explain what is the point? I don’t think there is one, bar blatant exhibitionism and providing thrill rides for the kids and grandma. Just maybe, on a snowy trail up to your Aspen ski lodge when you’ve forgotten the Dom Perignon, you’ll appreciate a rapid U-turn – or make that G Turn – to get you back to the wine store pronto. Thankfully there’s are more serious distinguishing features to this latest version of Mercedes’ beloved Geländewagen luxury off-roader, now in its 46th year of production. Electric power, and heaps of it, for starters. With a 116 kWh lithium-ion battery pack juicing those four two-speed electric motors, there’s an impressive 579-horsepower and stump-lifting 859 lb-ft of torque on tap. As you’d expect of an electric ‘Benz, off-the-line acceleration is up there with a rock exiting a catapult. A mere 4.6 seconds is all it takes to lunge from standstill to 60 mph. For something tipping the scales at close to 7,000 pounds, that’s pretty impressive. As for the 112 mph top speed? Maybe not so much. Definitely less impressive is the 580’s EPA-estimated range of 239 miles. These days, 300 miles and above is the norm. Rivian’s long-range R1S SUV is good for 410 miles. Cadillac’s new Escalade IQ can whizz along for up to 460 miles on a single charge. I suspect however that few G 580s will be called on to go the distance, being relegated to school runs, commutes to the golf course, yacht club or fine dining. That said, your 580 will come with a Mercedes fast charging adapter to let you connect to one of Tesla’s 20,000-plus Supercharger stations. Here, the Merc’s 400-volt charging system can suck-in up to 200kW of charge, taking the battery pack from 10 per cent to 80 per cent of capacity in 32 minutes. Or plug it in at home and you can go from empty to full in 13.5 hours. If you have to take the road less traveled, and splatter mud on that pricey paintwork, know that this new electric G is a superstar when the going gets tough. For starters it can wade through water 33.5 inches deep, which is 5.9 inches more than the gas-engined G 550. That’s a major plus in these times of hurricanes and storm surges. Back on the blacktop, electric power makes this new G 580 a more luxurious alternative to its dead dinosaur-fueled siblings. Around town there’s nothing but spooky silence, aided and abetted by the new acoustic glass and re-shaped windshield pillars to cut wind noise. All the better for experiencing the ear-bleeding Burmester 3D Surround Sound system. While nothing too much has changed style-wise with this new 2025 G range, you can spot this new 580 by its new, flat-panel grille ringed by a white LED strip, to match the ring of LEDs around the headlights. At the rear, instead of a hard cover for the spare wheel, there’s a slimmed down version to hold the charging cable. Pricewise, you’re looking at a starting sticker of $161,500, which is roughly middle ground between the $148,250, 416 hp G 550 V8 and thundering $186,100, 577 hp twin-turbo V8 G 63. As for the ability to perform G Turns on your neighbor’s gravel driveway? Just tell ’em you’ve joined a Spin Class.
A Juicy Fracas Over French Dip
Here’s a shocker: The French dip isn’t French. It harks back to Los Angeles in the early 20th Century. Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original — both of which opened in 1908 and are still in business — claim to have invented the sandwich, which features sliced roast beef on a French roll, served “au jus” (with juice), for dipping. Me, I’m going with Philippe. Sounds more French. And it’s “the original.” Although I do favor the Cole’s origin story: that a sympathetic chef added the jus for a customer complaining of sore gums. At any rate, the French Dip has endured. Over the years, most versions have come to include cheese (usually Swiss) and maybe grilled onions. Our two contestants are: Harvey’s 4th Street Grill in St. Pete and Miller’s Ale House, with two locations in Tampa and one in St. Pete (and 114 overall; I had no idea). HARVEY’S 4TH STREET GRILL I hadn’t been to Harvey’s in eons so was somewhat surprised to see it packed at 6:30 Tuesday. The place has been open since 1984 — which was probably about the time I first went — and it looks as if all ownership has changed are the lightbulbs. And why should they change? Harvey’s remains a go-to joint for denizens of northeast St. Pete — the senior set, if our visit was any indication, many of whom have likely been regulars since early days. I didn’t check IDs, but the eye test told me that there was one couple in the place under the age of 60. Harvey’s is dark and pubby, the kind of place where waitresses call you “hon’.” We managed to score a two-top in the main dining room. I got coleslaw as a side dish for my French Dip Sandwich ($15.70). Appearance This version resembled just about any French Dip ever served. The requisite bowl of deep brown juice elbowed its way onto the plate with the sandwich, the slaw and a big beautiful wedge of dill pickle. Taste and Texture I look for three basic things in a French Dip. Let’s do a Harvey’s checklist: Tender beef piled high, thinly sliced, with no gristle or fatty parts. Check. A fluffy roll that’s easy to chew. Check. A jus that’s full of potent flavor but not overly salty. Check. No check mark for the Swiss cheese, though, which made scant impression. And the onion was barely there (I could’ve used some more). The slaw was just how I like it: finely chopped, not too mayo’d, and with a hint of sweetness. MILLER’S ALE HOUSE We’ve driven by the St. Pete MAH, located in the Gateway Mall on MLK Street, innumerous times, but neither Bonnie nor I could recall ever going there. We walked in at 2 p.m. Thursday and what jumped out at us was how big this place is. Take out the booths and the bar and you could play some full-court hoops. The dining room, split in two by a sizeable bar, is floor-to-ceiling dark(ish) wood. We sat in a booth — there are mostly booths — near a window, and decided to split the Prime Rib French Dip ($17.79), with fries on the side (no coleslaw available). Inoffensive pop music played on a speaker over our table, but at a moderate volume. I did hear that 1974 yacht-rock chestnut by the band Ace … (We pause for a round of Name That Song) That’s right: “How Long” (“has this been going on?”). I survived it. Appearance No surprise, the sandwich looked similar to the one at Harvey’s — except: I could see onions. An encouraging sign. The fries were long and pulpy and flecked with pepper. Taste and Texture This sandwich checked all the same boxes as the one at Harvey’s. So, in all, an estimably edible French dip. There were a few differences. The beef was not shaved as uniformly as the Harvey’s sandwich, making it a little sloppier. While the cheese was all but undetectable, the onions were really there, adding a genial crunchiness to what is by nature a soggy sandwich. The jus was not too salty, but in an unexpected turn, I didn’t find it quite salty enough. This juice was a touch short on potency. The fries were first-rate, plump and and full of potato flavor. And the Winner of the Juicy French Dip Fracas Is … Harvey’s 4th Street Grill. By the thinnest of margins. Each sandwich was top-notch. I feel slightly bad having to choose a winner. But the FFF bylaws prohibit ties. And besides, as we like to say here at FFF: There are no losers, only runners-up. And this one was the closest decision I can remember. Maybe it was that big beautiful dill pickle.
Weekend Top 10: Outside the Box Ideas for Mom, Plus Tropical Heatwave and the Registry Spotlight
If you want unique ideas to show Mom some love, look no further than Registry Tampa Bay! Shuffleboard, skating, outdoor concerts, great live theater, museums, even axe throwing and a safari brunch! Think outside the box with us and have a great weekend. Theater Thursday Opening: The Butterfly’s Evil Spell Presented by Jobsite Straz Center, Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa Devised in Jobsite’s captivating style as expressed in Shockheaded Peter, Gorey Stories, and Jobsite’s Alice, this imaginative English-language adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s first play (El Maleficio de la Mariposa) fuses live music, visual art, puppetry, theater magic, and aerial arts into a thrilling theatrical experience. García Lorca’s mystically poetic world of beetles, fireflies, and other magical creatures is disrupted when a hypnotic, wounded butterfly enters their dewdrop paradise. A young beetle is cast under a love spell, but a hungry scorpion is sure to shake things up in this timeless tale of beauty and desire. Now through Sunday, June 1st Find tickets, performance schedules, and more information HERE. Kinky Boots Eight O’Clock Theatre @Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. Based on a true story, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized… and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. Joyous and uplifting, Kinky Boots will have you dancing in the aisles and discovering why, sometimes, the best way to fit in… is to stand out! Now through Sunday, May 11th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Amaze – Direct from London’s West End Straz Center, Jaeb Theater, Tampa Amaze is a revolutionary experience in the world of illusion. With Jamie Allan’s signature blend of state-of-the-art technology and timeless conjuring techniques, Amaze does more than just showcase magic, it places it directly into the hands of the audience – inviting attendees to not only witness but also partake in the wonder. Known the world over as an innovator of magic and groundbreaking hi-tech magician, Allan has sold millions of dollars in tickets worldwide and smashed box office records. What a great Mother’s Day outing! Now through Sunday, May 11th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Songs For a New World Presented by Think Tank Theatre JCC on the Cohn Campus, Tampa These are the stories and characters of today, the Songs for a New World. The first musical from Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love and the choices that we make. With a small, powerhouse multi-ethnic cast and a driving, exquisitely crafted score that runs the gamut of today’s popular music, Songs for a New World is a great way to bring the young and the young at heart together in a shared musical experience. Opens Thursday, May 8th and runs through Sunday, May 18th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Friday St. Pete Tacos & Tequila festival Vinoy Park, DTSP Waterfront The 4th Annual St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival returns to Vinoy Park on May 9-10, 2025, bringing a waterfront celebration of food, drinks, and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy 100+ taco options from 25+ vendors, craft margaritas, palomas, and cocktails, lucha libre wrestling, live music, mariachi bands, mural artists, and more. The festival also features a taco-eating contest and the People’s Choice Taco Competition, making it a must-attend event for taco and tequila lovers! Friday & Saturday, May 9th & 10th Find tickets, times, events schedule, and more information HERE. Remembering The Skyway Tragedy w/ Author Bill DeYoung St. Pete City Theater, St. Pete Acclaimed writer Bill DeYoung will present insights from his book, Skyway, which recounts the events of that devastating day. We’re also honored to welcome Jerry Knight, a first responder who was on the scene in 1980, as he shares his firsthand experience and answers your questions.This event is a powerful opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in our community’s history and hear from those who lived it. All are welcome. Friday, May 9th @7pm Find tickets and more information HERE. Saturday **Registry Spotlight Event** Tropical Heatwave is one of our area’s most fun and unique concert events, and so it shines this week in the #RegistrySpotlight. Bring Mom! Tropical Heatwave Presented by WMNF The Cuban Club, Ybor City This multi-act, multi-stage, multi-genre evening of music takes place at one of the coolest venues in the Bay area. Pop from stage to stage at the Cuban Club and see top tier music acts that will keep you dancing all evening long. This is truly one of the premier music events of the year and supports our very own local radio station WMNF. Come on out, bring MOM for a special Mother’s Day treat and rock the night away! Saturday, May 10th @5pm – 1am Find tickets, band schedules, and more information HERE. *Don’t forget about Second Saturday ArtWalk. That’s a great evening out for Mom. 5pm – 9pm Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day! Dalí’s Birthday Celebration The Dalí Museum, DTSP Celebrate Dalí as you celebrate Mom with a very special day at the world-renowned museum. Here are some of the things you can expect: All-day gallery admission rate of $19.04, in honor of Dalí’s birth year (a 40% discount) Free gallery admission and Dalí Alive 360° admission for children ages 12 and under Complimentary commemorative treat (one per guest, as available) Family-friendly activities, including surreal games in the Avant-garden, Dalí-inspired photo booth and community
Hello Beach Lovers
The Men’s Second Major of The Year, The PGA Championship May 15-18 at The Quail Hollow Club
Stunning Beachfront Contemporary Home
$5,900,000 This stunning contemporary beach home is a true one-of-a-kind gem, with the beach as its backyard! It is one of four unique homes located on the only private driveway in Indian Rocks Beach. The family room, dining area, kitchen, master bedroom, and master bath all offer breathtaking full beach views. Upon entering, you are welcomed by handcrafted stained glass double front doors that open to a winding metal and wood floating spiral staircase, accented by a curved glass block wall. The sunken Grand Formal Living Area features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a vaulted ceiling. You will see contemporary style with splashes of color throughout the home decor and design. The home gathers an abundance of natural light through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The fourth bedroom on the lower level has been transformed into a dual office equipped with desks, built-in shelving, and a walk-in closet. Adjacent to the office is a half bath with a 42-inch cabinet, granite countertop, and stone vessel sink. The formal dining room showcases a three-tiered ceiling with tri-colored neon lighting, along with an L-shaped serving credenza that provides ample storage and serving space. In the kitchen, you will find a matching suite of Miele stainless steel appliances, including a built-in convection oven, microwave, warming drawer, and a cappuccino/coffee system. The 5-burner glass-top induction stove rests on granite countertops. A Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator and Fisher & Paykel dishwashing drawers complete the setup. The seamless stainless steel sink and countertop were handcrafted from a single piece of metal. Italian custom-made Lube cabinets feature under-cabinet lighting, hinged glass doors, and mini pull-down garage doors. The kitchen also includes a three-stool bar and a more extensive breakfast nook. The kitchen features high-end appliances, plenty of prep space, and a connection to the dining areas. The wet bar in the breakfast nook has a matching granite top above a Scotsman stainless steel wine refrigerator, mini-fridge, and Sub-Zero ice maker. A full bathroom off the breakfast nook includes a glass vessel sink and a shower, with a door leading directly to the beach. The family/media area features a remote-controlled fireplace and connects to a sunken family room with oversized glass sliding doors, providing the perfect spot for enjoying spectacular sunsets. This room also features a raised backlit ceiling. The second-floor master suite contains the same sliding door leading out to a balcony with breathtaking views. The spacious master bedroom includes a dual-sided fireplace and wrap-around built-in closets and shelves. Double doors lead into the master bath, which features split sinks with granite countertops, a jetted tub below a chandelier, and a separate shower—yes, with more beach views! A pocket door opens to reveal the master walk-in closet. Enjoy the quietness and space of the master bedroom with a sitting area and bath featuring ocean views. The laundry room has tile flooring, cabinets, and a washer/dryer. The second bedroom has an attached bath with a granite-top sink and bath/shower combination. A long hallway with views of the Grand Formal Living Room leads to the fourth bedroom located above the garage. This guest room features a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom. The newly remodeled bath includes granite counters and a glass-encased shower with custom tile work and river rock flooring. The beautiful pool area includes a heated Beadcrete glass-beaded pool and spa, along with turf for low maintenance. Stairs lead from the pool area directly to the white sands of the beach. Whether you are looking for a vacation home or full-time living, the choice is yours! Entertain at the beach just steps away from your backyard oasis with a pool and entertaining areas. 1522 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 Listed by Brent Schneidewind Brokered by DALTON WADE INC (888)668-8283
Still in the Game: 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
A lot happened 35 years ago in 1990. The Dow closed above 2,800 for the first time ever. Tim Berners-Lee created the internet. The Exxon Valdez dumped oil in Alaska. And Pretty Woman opened at the movies. It was also the year Ford unwrapped its tall-riding Explorer and introduced those three little letters – SUV – to our vocabulary. Designed to replace the much-maligned Bronco II, the boxy Explorer became an instant hit. To date, almost nine million have been sold, making it the best-selling sport utility vehicle ever. In 2000 alone, Ford sold a staggering 445,000 Explorers. That’s a lot. Thirty-five years on, and it’s still going strong, holding its own despite buyers having more choices of mid-size SUVs than cheeses at the Fresh Market deli. Those three-row rivals include the likes of Kia’s Telluride, Toyota’s Grand Highlander, Mazda’s CX-90, Hyundai’s Palisade and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee L. To keep the Ford high on the shopping list of buyers tempted by more dynamic rivals, the trusty Explorer has just had a mid-life makeover to cement its appeal. Nothing too radical, mind. It gets a bold new grille, new sparkly LED headlights and taillights, and a more beefy lower front bumper design. It also got a refreshed interior with some cool, new tech. Like its BlueCruise hands-free driving feature, and Disney-sounding Ford Digital Experience. This offers a new Google-based operating system with 5G connectivity, a built-in wi-fi hotspot and Alexa to answer all your queries. Hey Alexa, how do I turn this thing on? Ford also took a hatchet to the model range for 2025, culling it to just four models; the base Active priced from $41,380, the ST-Line from $46,190, the fancy Platinum from $53,695, and performance-focused ST at the top of the range from $55,835. I’ve just spent the week in the company of that swanky Platinum model, with the so-called Ultimate Package. This adds a twin-panel panoramic roof, lovely leather seats, second-row captain’s chairs and dark-painted 21-inch alloys. Definitely pricey at just over $60,000. But it came with one of the best engine/transmission packages in the business; Ford’s 3.0-liter Ecoboost twin-turbo V6 packing a punchy 400 horsepower, and coupled to a swift-shifting 10-speed automatic. While the Platinum’s base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder with 300 horseys on tap, it’s the V6 you want, simply for the extra performance zip. How much extra zip? Pedal to the metal, you’ll rush from standstill to 60 mph in right around five seconds, compared to six with the four-cylinder. And this Usain Bolt sprinting is accompanied by a decidedly rorty exhaust note from the quad exhausts at the rear. Dial up ‘sport’ mode and the steering firms up and the shift points for the transmission change to boost low-end power. In addition to the meaty power, the V6 offers an impressive 415 pound-feet of torque to slingshot you out of freeway on-ramps and give confidence when passing on a two-lane. For a near-4,800-pound trucklette, it also feels surprisingly light on its feet through the twisties. Steering is precise and responsive, body lean is well-contained, and grip is plentiful. Yes, the ride can get a little fidgety over lumps and bumps, but it’s never uncomfortable. Add a few warm bodies in the three rows of seats, and things smooth-out nicely. And talking of seats, the Explorer’s enduring appeal is its family-sized accommodations. While that third row has decent kneeroom, its flaw however is that the seat cushion is too low to the floor for real comfort. No problem for short trips, but the kids will be whining after a few miles. While this Platinum model has plenty of luxury accoutrements, like nicely-stitched perforated leather on the seats with quilted inserts, quirky cloth dashboard panels, and a thumping 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, to me it’s still no match for high-luxe rivals like the Telluride, Palisade and Cherokee L. Yet this Built-in-Chicago family hauler is still very much in the game. Thirty-five years of being king of the hill makes sure of that.