EmKo
Picked by Marie Speed, Group Editor
“Avant-garde alert: EmKo is here, in the old ragtops location in West Palm, and you need to go there. Now. Self-described as a “multi-disciplinary art gallery dedicated to the enrichment of the community through art,” this way cool restaurant/gallery/ bar/coffee bar/sculpture garden defies categorization. We can say, however, that the vibe—and the design—is just as delicious as the food. Meet the next generation of hangout.”
(emkopb.com // 2119 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach // 561/227-3511)
Turtle Walks at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Picked by John Thomason, Managing Editor
“I recently enjoyed an essential South Florida experience for the first time: A Turtle Walk at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, this nocturnal summer staple includes an hour-long presentation on the sea turtles that inhabit Boca’s beach—and the daily hazards they face—followed by a trip to said beach, across the street, where Gumbo Limbo’s ATV drivers will hopefully spot an egg-laying turtle for your group to observe. It felt like a privilege, at once natural and magical, to watch this 800-pound creature that existed long before man drop something like 100 eggs in a single 15-minute process, then swim back into the primordial ocean. Nothing else beats it.”
(gumbolimbo.org // 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton // 561/544-8605)
Hudson at Waterway East
Picked by Nancy Kumpulainen, Art Director
“Impeccable food and service, not to mention the best view, is offered at the newly opened Hudson at Waterway East in Delray Beach. It’s no wonder, since the Hell’s Kitchen season 9 winner is their new executive chef! Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. We tried the poached shrimp and crab cake appetizers, and our entrees included fresh local snapper and the best flatbread I’ve ever had with figs, spinach, goat cheese and truffle honey. Can it get any better than this!? In fact, it can, since Jude, the general manager, also has a knack for selecting the PERFECT wine pairing. Heavenly!”
(http://hudsondelray.com // 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach // 561/303-1343)
