The Lopsided Politicization Of Society And Medicine Thu Jan 05 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

7th Annual Art + Stroll Returns To Las Olas Boulevard South Florida Sun Times Apr 3, 2025 Business For The Arts Broward’s (BFA) 7th Annual ART + STROLL, Presented By BBX Capital, Will Transform Downtown Fort Lauderdale With Art, Entertainment And Culture On Thursday, April 17th From 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. In The Lobbies Of Buildings 200, 201 And 301 East Las Olas Boulevard In Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The stroll through each lobby where there will be live artist performances including dance, music, spoken word, art installations, live painting, chalk artists and demo artists is Free! This year’s entertainment will include Art Prevails Project, BreakinMIA, Broward College Jazz Band, Phocused Kollective and South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Live painting and art demos by Leonardo Montoya, Oscar Montoya, Colin Breslin and Ashlee Sanford. Guests can enhance their ART + STROLL experience with a specialty Sip + Stroll ticket, which includes access to food and drink tastings from local restaurants. A limited number of Sip + Stroll tickets are available for $50. ART + STROLL is a juried art exhibit that will display 116 works of art by 108 artists in a wide variety of mediums such as photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, paper art, fiber art, wood, clay, metal, glass, sculpture and mixed media. ART + STROLL exhibits will be on display from Thursday, April 10 through Thursday, April 17 and are available for purchase at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-stroll/ Proceeds from ART + STROLL will support BFA in funding events, expanding services across Broward County and promoting economic development for Non-Profit Organizations. Additionally, the funds will help foster a thriving creative economy by supporting cultural vitality, artistic success and economic growth. This year’s ART + STROLL sponsors include BBX Capital, UBS/Garvin Financial Team, Castle Group, Moss, FPL, Stiles, Mad Arts-Yes We Are Mad, BBI, Crown Residential, Pierson Grant, IT’SUGAR, Berger Singerman, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Broward Health, Starmark, Templeton, Moxies, Coyo Taco, PNC Bank, Sidecar Kitchen and Fogo de Chao. For additional information including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Robyn Vegas at: rvegas@bfabroward.org . About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success and economic development. To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org Previous Next

The Road To Splitsville’: How To Navigate The Road To Divorce Without Making Yourself Crazy November 10, 2023 Share Most adults in the United States are familiar with this unfortunate statistic from the U.S. Census Bureau: nearly 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. However, few are likely aware that the average first marriage lasts eight years or less, and the average second marriage lasts just seven years. Divorces are endemic, and they can create serious emotional issues for the parties and their children, while resulting in huge paydays for their attorneys. Attorney Jeffrey Stephens and Psychologist Ronald Raymond have written a book providing practical advice to pending divorcees on how to manage these issues along their journey, while paving a road to future happiness. “We live in a society where the decision to divorce is all too common,” Stephens said, “And those needing advice about how to get there are many. Our intention is to reduce the stress and expense involved in the divorce process by providing insight, support, empathy and the practical information you will need to complete your journey as you find the path to your new life.” The book, The Road to Splitsville, features this illustrative subtitle: How to Navigate The Road To Divorce Without Making Yourself Crazy, Your Children Miserable, Or Your Lawyer Wealthy … And Then Discover Your Path To Happiness. Stephens says that “if you are facing divorce, this book will guide you along the legal and emotional journey you will need to follow to end your marriage and find your best life.” Together, Stephens and Raymond offer techniques for dealing with the inevitable upset and issues that divorcees face, as they guide readers along the legal and emotional road they will travel, including how to select an attorney and limit the costs; how to handle the loss of love and end of the relationship; and perhaps most important, how to rebuild a life and find happiness. Jeffrey S. Stephens is a successful attorney in private practice, having handled many divorces and family law issues in New York and Connecticut. He is also the Author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, Targets of Deception, Targets of Opportunity, Targets of Revenge and Rogue Mission, as well as the Anthony Walker murder mystery Crimes and Passion and the Pencraft Award-Winning novels Fool’s Errand and The Handler. Dr. Ronald Raymond is a Clinical Psychologist who has been practicing for over 50 years. His background includes being a professor and adjunct professor at several universities. He served as the Director of Psychology at one of the nation’s most prestigious psychiatric hospitals, Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut and The American Psychological Association attributed to him the development of Relocation Psychology, about which he co-authored the book, Grow Your Roots Anywhere, Anytime. He is also the co-author of Ring of Destiny, Destiny Revealed and The Four Essential Ingredients for Effective Parenting. For more information, please visit: www.theroadtosplitsville.com < Previous News Next News >

Protect Your Heart And Brain By Knowing The Signs And Symptoms Of AFib By Feature Impact Sep 17, 2026 There Are A Lot Of Things That Can Make Your Heart Flutter, Race Or Skip A Beat. In A Figurative Sense, It Could Be A Smile From A Loved One, A Jump Scare In A Movie Or The Moment The Roller Coaster Car Tips Over The Top Of The Hill. In A Much More Literal Sense, An Irregular Heartbeat Might Mean You're Experiencing Atrial Fibrillation, Or Afib. Symptoms of AFib aren't always as obvious as those adrenaline-inducing moments. In fact, according to research from the American Heart Association, 62% of people with AFib had no prior knowledge of the condition before being diagnosed. Since AFib can increase your chances of having a Stroke by up to five times, educating yourself early could be a powerful way to protect your long-term health. AFib is a type of Arrhythmia, or Heart Rhythm Disorder, that happens when your heart's electrical signals fire abnormally, causing an irregular heartbeat. More than 10 million people in the U.S. live with AFib, so if you're one of them, there are plenty of ways to find connection, support and resources to help. "It's important for people to understand their risk factors, recognize potential symptoms and have regular conversations with their healthcare professional," said Dr. Javier Sanchez, HCA Healthcare Cardiac Electrophysiologist. "Early detection and proactive management can make a life-saving difference." This expert information can help you understand what to look for and what steps to take if you or a loved one are living with AFib. Common Symptoms Although AFib doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, knowing the signs can help you protect your health. AFib can feel like a fluttering feeling in your chest, a pounding heart or skipped heartbeats. Some people also feel fatigued, dizzy or short of breath. Symptoms can come and go, and they may range from mild to more severe. Experiencing any sort of heart symptom can be scary and overwhelming but try to stay calm and pay attention to the feeling so you can describe it to your doctor. Risk Factors Anyone can develop AFib, but certain factors make it more or less likely. Some risk factors for Arrhythmia - like getting older or having it in your family history - are unavoidable. Others, like smoking, drinking alcohol or living with uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, put the power in your hands to make risk-reducing changes. People with Diabetes, Obesity, Sleep Apnea or other heart conditions are also more likely to experience AFib. The Connection Between AFib and Stroke When the heart beats irregularly, it means blood can't move through the heart efficiently. That can cause blood clots, which in turn may block blood flow to the brain and lead to a Stroke. Although Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., it is largely preventable and treatable. Even someone who has already had a Stroke can recover, manage their condition and put themselves on the road to better health. Diagnosing AFib Catching AFib early can make a meaningful difference, so even if you haven't experienced any glaring symptoms, it's wise to communicate with your doctor about your risk factors and concerns. Your healthcare team may run tests to confirm a diagnosis and recommend the best course of action for you. Treatment Options Depending on the stage of your AFib, your doctor might suggest medication, surgical or non-surgical procedures or lifestyle changes such as the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 to support your Heart Health. Staying physically active, quitting tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling your Blood Pressure, among other steps, can help you manage Heart Conditions and reduce your future risk of Stroke. Remember: Prevention is the best cure, so even if you haven't received an Arrhythmia diagnosis, you can start working toward these healthier habits. Explore more information and resources at: www.Heart.org/AFibfacts . Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

“Under the Electric Tree” MOCA Announces Robust Public Activations Thu Jun 23 2022 04:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prioritize Heart Health With A Balanced Eating Plan By Family Features May 4, 2023 Share No matter your motivations, it's never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health. One step you can take is following the DASH eating plan, which is a flexible and balanced way of eating that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and was developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Requiring no special foods, DASH provides daily and weekly nutritional goals to help lower two major risk factors for Heart Disease: High Blood Pressure and High LDL (bad) Cholesterol. Being more physically active, managing stress, getting quality sleep and not smoking combined with DASH can put you on a path toward a healthy heart for life. Encouraging others to join you on your heart-health journey can also be rewarding. Research shows social support and personal networks make it more likely you'll stick to healthy habits like eating healthy. Sharing heart-healthy recipes with family and friends is an added bonus and these DASH-friendly meals can help you take the guesswork out of putting nutritious dinners on the table. Greek-Style Flank Steaks With Tangy Yogurt Sauce offer the bold flavors of the Mediterranean while Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is as easy to make as it is colorful. For a complementary combination of Pork and sweet fruit flavor, these Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce are perfect to serve alongside brown rice or steamed broccoli. Learn more about heart health and find DASH-friendly recipes, visit: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH Greek-Style Flank Steak With Tangy Yogurt Sauce Recipe courtesy of The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Marinade: • 1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice • 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil • 2 Teaspoons of fresh Oregano, rinsed, dried and chopped • 1 Tablespoon of Garlic, minced (2-3 cloves) • 1 Beef Flank Steak (12 ounces) Yogurt Sauce: • 1 Cup of Cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped • 1 Cup of NonFat Plain Yogurt • 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice • 1 Tablespoon of Fresh Dill, rinsed, dried and chopped • 1 Tablespoon of Garlic, minced (2-3 cloves) • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt To make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Lemon Juice, the Olive Oil, the Oregano and the Garlic. Lay the Steak in a flat container with sides and pour the marinade over the Steak. Marinate it for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours, turning several times. To make the Yogurt Sauce: Combine the Cucumber, the Yogurt, the Lemon Juice, the Dill, the Garlic and the Salt. Set the Yogurt Sauce aside for at least 15 minutes to blend the flavors. The sauce can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and be refrigerated. Preheat the broiler to high with a rack 3 inches from the heat source. Broil the Steak for about 10 minutes on each side to a minimum internal temperature of 145˚ F. Let it cool for 5 minutes before carving it. Slice it thinly across the grain into 12 slices. Serve three slices with a 1/2 Cup of Yogurt Sauce. Tip: Serve in a sandwich with Pita Bread, Lettuce and Tomato. Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon With Stir-Fried Vegetables Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Salmon: • 2 Tablespoons of Light Teriyaki Sauce • 1/4 Cup of Mirin or Sweet Rice Wine • 2 Tablespoons of Rice Vinegar • 2 Tablespoons of Scallions, rinsed and minced • 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Ginger, minced • 12 Ounces Salmon Fillets, cut into four portions (3 ounces each) Vegetables: • 1 12 Ounce Bag of Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables • 1/2 Tablespoon of Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil • 1/2 Tablespoon of Garlic, minced (about 1 clove) • 1 Tablespoon of Ginger, minced • 1 Tablespoon of Scallions, rinsed and minced • 1 Tablespoon of Light Soy Sauce Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. To prepare the Salmon: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce, the Mirin, the Rice Vinegar, the Scallions and the Ginger well. Pour it over the Salmon and Marinate it for 10-15 minutes. Remove the Salmon from the Marinade. Place the Salmon on a baking sheet. Bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until the Fish flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145˚ F. To prepare the Vegetables: Thaw the Frozen Vegetables in the microwave or place a bag in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes. In a large wok or sauté pan, heat the Oil. Add the Garlic, the Ginger and the Scallions; cook them gently, but do not brown them, for about 30-60 seconds. Add the Vegetables and continue Stir-Frying them for 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through and add the Soy Sauce. Serve one piece of Salmon with 1 Cup of Vegetables. Baked Pork Chops With Apple Cranberry Sauce Recipe courtesy of The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Pork Chops: • 4 Boneless Pork Chops (about 3 ounces each) • 1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper • 1 Medium Orange, rinsed and zested • 1/2 Tablespoon of Olive Oil Sauce: • 1/4 Cup of Low-Sodium Chicken Broth • 1 Medium Apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup) • 1/2 Cinnamon Stick • 1 Bay Leaf • 1/2 Cup of Dried Cranberries • 1/2 Cup of 100% Orange Juice Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. To prepare the Pork Chops: Season the Pork Chops with the Pepper and the Orange Zest. In a large sauté pan, heat the Olive Oil over medium heat. Add the Pork Chops and cook them until they are browned on one side for about 2 minutes. Turn them and brown them for 2 more minutes. Remove the Pork Chops from the pan, place them on a nonstick baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160˚ F. To make the Sauce: Add the Chicken Broth to the sauté pan and stir it until it loosens the brown bits from the Pork Chops and set it aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the Grated Apples, the Cinnamon Stick and the Bay Leaf until the Apples begin to soften. Add the Cranberries, the Orange Juice and the reserved Broth. Bring them to a boil then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer it for 10 minutes or until the Cranberries are plump and the Apples are tender and remove the Cinnamon Stick. Peel the Orange and cut it into eight sections. Serve one Pork Chop with a 1/4 Cup of sauce and two Orange Segments. < Previous News Next News >

Kick Off The Holiday Season In Downtown Hollywood This Weekend Thu Nov 17 2022 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals For Busy Days By Feature Impact Jul 23, 2026 When Life Gets Busy, Your Home Should Be A Place Of Reprieve, Not Extra Stress - And That Includes Your Kitchen. If You're Juggling Work, Chores, Errands, Hobbies, Studies, A Social Life, Caretaking Or The Other Million-And-One Things Keeping Your Schedule Full Right Now, The Idea Of Spending An Hour Putting Together A Home-Cooked Meal Might Sound Exhausting Or Downright Impossible. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don't skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups - like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait - you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won't even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet. If you're craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household's tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu. To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes. Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet Prep time: 1 minute Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 1-2 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup 1 Tablespoon of olive oil 8 Ounces of large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice 1/4 Teaspoon of red pepper flakes 1 Tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional) Heat the rice according to the package's directions. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they are pink, about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the rice, the lemon juice and the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return the shrimp and stir it to combine it. Garnish it with parsley. Squeeze the lemon wedge over the top, if desired, and serve. Substitution: Use the sauteed mushrooms or the crispy tofu to make it vegetarian. Egg Roll in a Bowl Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 18 minutes Servings: 2 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup 1/2 Pound of ground turkey or pork 1 Cup of coleslaw mix 1 Garlic clove, minced 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce 1 Teaspoon of ginger, freshly grated 1/2 Teaspoon of sesame oil 1/2 Cup of fried wonton strips 2 Tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce Heat the rice according to the package's directions. In a large pan, cook the meat over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add the coleslaw, the garlic, the soy sauce, the ginger and the sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until the coleslaw is softened. Add the rice during the final 4 minutes. Top with the wonton strips, drizzle the sweet and sour sauce and serve. Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice. For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit: www.MinuteRice.com . Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet Egg Roll in a Bowl Previous Next

Explore 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea: Voyage To The Deep at The Museum of Discovery & Science Wed Jan 31 2024 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts Thu Sep 16 2021 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Bubbles On The Beach - Champagne Brunch At Maass Fort Lauderdale By Merilee Kern, MBA Jun 19, 2025 Few Experiences Capture The Essence Of Indulgence Quite Like A Champagne Brunch. At: www.maassftl.com , The Signature Restaurant At The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, This Tradition Is Elevated To Dazzling Heights. Overlooking The Glittering Atlantic Ocean, The Brunch Experience Here Seamlessly Melds Culinary Artistry, Impeccable Service And The Effervescence Of Fine Champagne, Collectively Offering Guests A Decadent Start To Their Day In A Setting That Epitomizes Coastal Sophistication. Upon entering MAASS on a sunlit weekend morning, you’re greeted by an expansive ocean view underpinned by the soft hum of convivial conversation and the subtle pop of Champagne corks—signs and sounds that foretell indulgence. The restaurant’s serene, yet luxurious ambiance, with its ocean-view windows and polished decor, sets the tone for a brunch that is as visually stunning as it is palate-pleasing. This specific service at MAASS isn’t merely a meal; it’s a curated journey. Anchored by a lavish self-serve raw bar buffet—rife with oysters, crab claws, shrimp and other delectables—the ocean-forward selection immediately impresses. On the day of my visit, the buffet also included tuna and Hamachi sashimi, Mariscadora scallops, cockles, and marinated clams and mussels. Pair these with a crisp pour of Veuve Clicquot or Dom Pérignon for a classic start. Indeed, at the heart of the MAASS brunch experience is, of course, the Champagne. The restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated selection of premium Champagnes and sparkling wines, allowing guests to tailor their indulgence. For those who prefer their bubbles with a twist, the MAASS Signature Mimosa Bar is a standout, offering fresh-squeezed juices and unique garnishes like edible flowers and seasonal fruits. While the Champagne flows freely, the culinary offerings at MAASS steal the show. Buffet aside, the à la carte menu features a variety of inspired dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the Eggs Benedict, where poached eggs rest on house-made brioche with crab accoutrements, crowned with velvety hollandaise. For those with a sweet tooth, the Japanese Souffle Pancakes with maple and cultured butter are nothing short of sublime. Meanwhile, the Black Truffle Tagliatelle, artfully plated with pecorino and shaved truffle, adds luxury to the table. MAASS’ rotating chef’s specials elevate the experience even further, ensuring each visit offers something new to savor. Below, Michelin-awarded Chef Ryan Ratino, Chef and Owner of MAASS, Fort Lauderdale, provides his take on what makes the eatery’s Sunday Brunch such a standout in the South Florida foodie scene. MK: First, who is your target or ideal clientele for the MAASS Sunday Brunch? CRR: Our Sunday Brunch is designed for culinary explorers, passionate food lovers and anyone who appreciates elevated, seasonal dining. We’re attracting a blend of locals who are looking for a luxe weekend tradition, as well as visitors seeking a standout culinary experience in Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant dining scene. MK: What are the top three things that set the restaurant apart from other comparable brunch options in the area? CRR: At MAASS, our hyper-seasonal menu is crafted using the finest local and regional ingredients, many sourced directly from Florida’s farmers and fishers, ensuring every dish is fresh, vibrant and in-season. We bring a fine-dining mentality to brunch, incorporating elevated techniques and sophisticated presentations inspired by our dinner offerings, while embracing the playful spirit of brunch. Complementing the exceptional cuisine is our immersive ambiance, where indoor garden-inspired interiors and stunning outdoor waterfront seating create a memorable dining experience that celebrates both flavor and atmosphere. Dining at MAASS is as much about the experience as it is about the meal. MK: What might people not know about the restaurant and its brunch service, but should? CRR: Our Chef’s Counter offers a dynamic and interactive experience where guests can watch dishes being crafted right before their eyes, fostering a unique connection between chef and diner. Our hyper-focus on seasonality ensures the menu changes regularly to highlight the freshest and most exciting ingredients, providing even our regular guests with something new to enjoy. This commitment extends to our local purveyors, as we build meaningful partnerships with farmers and markets to source the finest ingredients, while supporting the community. MK: How would you sum up the property’s approach to dining and hospitality at large? CRR: At MAASS, we’re committed to elevating the dining experience through innovation, refined flavors, and exceptional service. We focus on creating an intimate, yet sophisticated ambiance that enhances every meal. Our goal is for each guest to feel like they’re part of something special, whether they’re at the Chef’s Counter or enjoying our seasonal dishes in the lush, garden-inspired interior. We want to surprise and delight, while keeping things grounded in great food and hospitality. MK: What is your personal favorite item on the brunch menu? CRR: My personal favorite is definitely our French Omelet with parmesan mornay and chive. We focus on the technique to create a perfectly smooth, tender omelet, and the rich, velvety Parmesan Mornay sauce adds depth and a little indulgence. The chive garnish provides a fresh, bright pop that ties everything together. It’s a dish that’s simple but sophisticated, showcasing the quality of our ingredients and the attention we put into even the most traditional brunch offerings. MK: What is your personal favorite aspect of the brunch dining experience at large? CRR: I love how brunch brings people together in such a relaxed, yet special way. There’s something about the combination of fresh, seasonal food, a beautiful setting and the lively energy of Sunday that makes the experience feel indulgent and approachable. It’s a moment to connect with others and with the ingredients themselves. MK: What are some of the long- and short-term goals for the restaurant? How will you continue to maintain and/or elevate your image in the process? CRR: In the short term, we’re working to expand our partnerships with local purveyors, bringing even more unique, regional ingredients into the fold. This will allow us to continue surprising our guests with new, fresh flavors. Over the long-term, we are focused on maintaining our reputation as one of the most innovative dining destinations in South Florida. Whether it’s for brunch or dinner, we’re always pushing the envelope with our culinary creativity, ensuring that MAASS remains a destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience. MK: Does the restaurant have any policies around sustainability? CRR: Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at MAASS and I have always been an advocate of environmentally-friendly practices. In 2018, I enlisted Bresca as the first and only carbon neutral restaurant in the nation’s capital by joining ZeroFoodprint, the nonprofit organization aimed at helping restaurants and diners reduce their climate impact. As part of this initiative, the team and I work to interlace sustainability into the daily practices of restaurant operations such as recycling, composting and sourcing products from purveyors who prioritize sustainable practices. MK: Any little-known factoids/trivia about the restaurant/location? CRR: MAASS is located in one of the most scenic spots in Fort Lauderdale, with direct access to the water. Our design is inspired by the natural beauty of the area—think lush gardens and waterfront views that are perfect for enjoying a meal. It's a space where we can blend the serenity of nature with the excitement of a world-class culinary experience. MK: Any celebrities you can publicly cite by name that have dined at the restaurant? CRR: While I can’t name names, we’ve been fortunate to have several notable guests dine with us at MAASS. From local influencers to out-of-town visitors, we’ve welcomed many who appreciate our unique dining experience. We always take great care to make every guest feel special, no matter who they are. During my own recent visit to MAASS for the Sunday brunch extravaganza, the staff duly elevated the entire experience with their attentiveness and genuine warmth. Each interaction feels tailored, from expert Champagne details to thoughtful menu insights. It’s this level of service that transforms a delightful brunch into an unforgettable affair. In all, the Champagne brunch at MAASS is a love letter to indulgence and an absolute must for locals and visitors seeking a sophisticated, yet relaxed dining experience on Fort Lauderdale Beach. (Photo Credit Ruben Cabrera) Previous Next

Loss Can Be A Tricky Thing: Quick Fixes Are Not Solutions By Tracy Renee Lee July 13, 2023 Share During my lifespan, there have been many times that I have longed for a quick fix to my problems. As I have matured, I have come to realize that quick fixes do not exist. There are band-aids that I can apply to hold things together until I can correct my course, but ultimately, I need solutions, not fixes. Upon losing significant loved ones, survivors often look for quick fixes. Sadly, as in other experiences in life, there remain no quick fixes. My husband lost his brother last week. It was a rather sudden death, unexpected in every aspect of its cause. Fortunately, as soon as his brother entered the hospital, my husband jumped into his car and drove to the East Coast to see him. They had a wonderful visit for a few hours, and afterward, my husband felt the assessment was that his brother would be fine. My husband returned to his hotel, checked out and began his journey home. Before my husband crossed the Georgia/Alabama State Line, his brother suffered a severe Stroke. Fortunately, he had discussed his brother’s final wishes with him, so we knew what he wanted for his end-of-life services. Within two days, my husband’s brother passed away; peacefully in a hospice facility. His wishes were carried out as he had specified. My husband is suffering immensely at his brother’s passing. He lost his only other brother just last year. My husband is the sole survivor of his original family unit. He is sad, not feeling well and confused about what to expect for his future. Life can be many things. We experience joy, happiness, disappointments, sadness, loneliness, loss and many other emotions while living. Many of our emotions bring us comfort, but the loss does not usually carry a sense of joy or comfort. Most often, loss brings sadness and confusion. There are no quick fixes for grief. Each individual grieves in their unique way with various intensities. Surviving the loss of a loved one can be compared to surgery. One can be assured that with proper care, healing will eventually occur; however, there will always be a scar, weakness and tenderness in its stead. Just as Physical Therapy serves to help regain a degree of physical comfort and functionality, so can Grief Therapy assist in regaining a degree of emotional comfort and functionality. My husband’s Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar surged upon losing his brother last week. Our physician prescribed a few medications to help him regulate these issues. Unfortunately, the medications seem to have exacerbated the issues, so today, we are returning to our physician’s office for additional assistance. I hope a solution will be established. Loss can be a tricky thing. It sometimes affects and interferes with our health, both mentally and physically. Without professional assistance, grief may even rob us of our lives. Please do not let grief steal you from those who love and depend upon you. If you are suffering ill effects from grief, please seek medical assistance immediately. It may save your life or bring respite and relief so that you can take the time to heal. My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), Published Author, Syndicated Columnist, Podcaster and Founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and Recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life’s work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. For additional encouragement, please visit my Podcast “Deadline” at: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MHPy4ctu9OLvdp2JzQsAA Or at: https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at: "Deadline_TracyLee." < Previous News Next News >