Search Results

Parking & Building Maintenance: Hallandale Beach Is Examining Problems & Looking For Solutions By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 22, 2021 Share “It is difficult to look at parking as a service, but it is. We have had a parking program in our city for years. It simply was at the beach and at Joe Scavo Park. We are now looking at expanding it." Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper This Monday, we held a Town Hall forum to present the new proposals to our Parking Ordinance. The purpose was to answer questions and concerns over the new citywide proposal. There are various views on these changes. Residents that have been using free on street parking services for many years, obviously, are the most impacted, some living in the residential areas are supportive and other outside of parking zones, have not been vocal. I have been fortunate to travel over the past weeks to both Denver, Utah and Winter Park CO. Each City has unique parking programs that fit their demands. I have to say every city does have one. My son works in downtown Denver and must pay to park a dollar a day as part of their on-street parking. Depending on the neighborhoods, each area has different plans. Denver itself, has an amazing and robust public transit system and whether it is blazing hot in summer or freezing cold in winter, people have grown accustomed and walk to and from their stops. Park City Utah has a program. Their downtown is a mix of all types of housing and on each street, spots are regulated. There are various rates and passes depending on the season. Their program is based on sustainability. They discourage people from coming and planning to park. They would rather like people to park and ride or simply take public transportation. This is a means to reduce their emissions and during special events, they have special rates. It is difficult to look at parking as a service, but it is. We have had a parking program in our City, for years. It simply was at the beach and at Joe Scavo Park and now, we are looking at expanding it. The biggest misinformation that I have heard, was charging for parking at our parks. We have two types of parks. Small neighborhood parks intended for residents to walk to and recreate. We also have large parks that have parking built into their footprint. The plan does not include charging to park in our parks, but to have the surrounding on street parking to be for a fee. This is mainly to stop the storage of cars and commercial vehicles. At the original workshop, we also brought up that we could do special sports event waivers. This program change was conceptually supported, but, not finalized. On-line, you can find out more information. You will get to listen to the commissioner workshop, examine the original documents and there is a good Q and A section. There are many changes we are going through as a City, that are tied to our budget. I wrote about them in my last article. If you want to read any past articles, you can find them on the South Florida Sun Times Newspaper's web-site at: www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news While everyone is still alarmed about the Surfside collapse, we as a City, are here to work with all of our residents. I have received so many calls from residents in regards to the lack of maintenance in their buildings. Our staff has been sending letters and monitoring the 40-year inspections. The process does take time and we can make sure they get done and police the process. It is not simply, a City issue. As separate corporate entities, the responsibility does fall on all of the boards and the residents in every building, this is to ensure that they are abiding by the laws and not cutting corners in order to reduce costs. I also have been hearing plenty of the blame game, when it comes to our permitting process. We are pursuing the hiring of a new building official and replacing clerks that have resigned. These staff losses have delayed the process, but it is not simply our building department. I have spent hours over vacation fielding calls and emails about the department. Typically, we can work through the issues. In many cases though, I have been finding that, the contractors are not filing the proper paperwork. Timelines are being exaggerated in some cases. In one case, I found that a permit was never filed and other permits, had comments that were not addressed. Often the same comment was not addressed multiple times. These all add to delays. I have been asking everyone that has a permit, to please go on-line and review the permits. Our system allows you to put in the permit number and review the permit history and all of the comments. You can simply search, the permit number or click on the permit link and search, go to: www.cohb.org . I will continue sharing this information, as it does have a direct impact of getting this work completed in a timely manner. If it is a City issue, we will address it. If it is a contractor issue, it is up to the owners or boards to follow up. Everyone is human and there is a good chance during this complex process, that items could be missed. It seems that our neighbors, both in Haiti and in Cuba, need our help. I have been following the news and my prayers go out to those that have family and friends in these two countries. While I personally do not believe, our country should be a vehicle for another country’s war, I do believe that we do have, an obligation to help those is harm’s way. I pray that we will all come together, to make sure humanitarian aid, makes it way to these troubled areas. In the past years, the International Committee of the US Conference of Mayors, debated aid to Haiti. We supported the aid, but, there is a reality that the aid does not go to who it is intended for. We will all need to make sure, that we work with our global allies and with the UN, this is to make sure that food and medical necessities, are in fact, getting into to the right hands. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City, a better place, on my phone/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

Broadway Legends Make Stops In Aventura: The Original Stars Of Hairspray And Jersey Boys Set To Wow Audiences In March South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 Audiences won’t want to miss nonstop music, dance and electrifying performances as Broadway’s biggest stars take the stage at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. On Thursday, March 6th, Tony® -recognized artists Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler, and Laura Bell Bundy— the original stars of Hairspray— star in Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now. Then, on Friday, March 28th, John Lloyd Young— the original star of Jersey Boys— delivers a captivating performance sure to wow audiences. Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the original Broadway Musical Hairspray as the original Tracy, Penny and Amber are reunited for the first time ever! Tony® award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Tony® nominees Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy come together for Mama I’m A Big Girl Now on Thursday, March 6th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center as part of its 2025 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura. With 16 Broadway shows and more than 200 episodes of television between them, this trio has truly done it all as Winokur starred in Dancing with the Stars, Butler received a Tony® nomination for Xanadu and Bundy’s performance in Legally Blonde also received a Tony® nomination. These powerhouse performers take the audience on a hilarious and meaningful musical journey singing hits from their shows as they share stories from their origins as teenage performers, strong friendships, acclaimed careers and their children. A post-show meet and greet experience may be added to any ticket. Then, Tony® and Grammy- award winning actor John Lloyd Young is set to reprise his role of Frankie Valli from Broadway’s Jersey Boys on Friday, March 28th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center as part of its 2025 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura. The Broadway smash-hit was adapted to the silver screen where Lloyd reprised his role of Frankie Valli for the Clint Eastwood directed Warner Bros film, Jersey Boys. Acclaimed for his immense talent and legendary charisma, in this production Young delivers a celebration of classic hits from the '50s and '60s presented in the authentic acoustic style of original rock 'n' roll, Doo-Wop and R&B standards. Along with tracks from Young's critically acclaimed debut album My Turn, the show features "Sherry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "Hold Me," "Thrill Me, Kiss Me" and "In the Still of the Night." He will also treat the audience to treasures from, among others, Roy Orbison, The Platters, the Righteous Brothers, Paul McCartney, Adele, Luther Vandross, Little Anthony, Elvis and Tom Jones. A post-show meet and greet experience may be added to any ticket. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. John Lloyd Young Previous Next

Don’t Delay Ignite Your Idea: Apply Today Only a Few Days Left to Enter SPARK Thu Aug 12 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tacology Wynwood Is Now Open: Bringing A Fresh Taste Of Mexico To Miami’s Artistic Hub Fri Feb 14 2025 19:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Slow Burn Awaits: Five Musicals Will Be Presented At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts February 15, 2024 Share Currently enjoying a record-breaking season and the receipt of the Bill Von Maurer Award bestowed by the Carbonell Awards for the totality of its programming, Slow Burn Theatre Company announces its 2024/2025 Season. Supported by American National Bank, the season in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts features five musicals with enduring stories that have captivated audiences in movie theaters and on stage: The Witches of Eastwick; Anastasia The Musical; Parade; Something Rotten! and The Bodyguard The Musical. “We have put together an exciting and eclectic season that is tied together with the common element of each musical delivering highly theatrical, dramatic and engaging experiences,” said Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater. “True to our mission, we can’t wait to introduce audiences to the rarely performed The Witches of Eastwick and The Bodyguard The Musical while Parade is a tremendous piece that was recently revived on Broadway. It wouldn’t be a season if we didn’t put our spin on some of the biggest Broadway blockbusters which we’ll do with Anastasia The Musical and Something Rotten!” Subscriptions to the five-show season are currently on sale with tickets to individual performances going on sale Friday, June 7th. Just in time for Halloween, Slow Burn Theatre opens the season with The Witches of Eastwick October 19th – November 3rd. The original West End production was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Musical and is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by John Updike and the basis for the 1987 film starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. In the tiny New England town of Eastwick, three modern day witches innocently plot and conjure over a heady brew of weak martinis and peanut butter brownies. But when their shared desire for “all manner of man in one man” arrives in the form of charismatic stranger Darryl Van Horne, all hell breaks loose. The musical has book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, the creative team behind Zombie Prom and The Fix. The season unwraps Anastasia The Musical during the holidays from December 21st – January 5th with a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Inspired by beloved films, the musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. This spectacular musical about discovering who you are and defining who you're meant to be has a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, "Journey To The Past" and "Once Upon A December." Winner of the 1999 Tony Awards for Best Score (Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics) and Best Book of a Musical (Alfred Uhry) as well as 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, Parade reminds us around Valentine’s Day from February 8th – February 23rd that to love, we must truly see one another. The musical follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Not content with just one day, Slow Burn Theatre delivers two weeks of April foolishness with Something Rotten! from March 29th – April 13th. Proclaimed “Broadway’s big, fat hit!” by the New York Post and nominated for 10 Tony Awards, this hilarious smash journeys back to 1595 as brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom compete to write a hit play against the popularity of the insufferable superstar Shakespeare. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, they set out to write the world’s first musical. With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, the musical added up to a winner with New York Magazine proclaiming it “The Producers + The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared!” Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 Season culminates with a sizzling summer production of the West End hit The Bodyguard, The Musical from June 7th – June 22nd. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. This breathtakingly romantic thriller features a host of irresistible classics including: “Queen Of The Night,” “So Emotional,” “One Moment In Time,” “Saving All My Love,” “Run To You,” “I Have Nothing,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and one of the biggest-selling songs of all time, “I Will Always Love You.” Major support for the Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462.0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2023/2024 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. About The Broward Center For The Performing Arts: One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level and UHealth-University of Miami Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

One Woman’s Journey: Navigating Weight Loss And The Procedure That Helped Her Find Success South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 Kyra Williams is a wife, mother of two and English professor who leads an active life in Baytown, Texas. However, this active life took a backseat when she moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Texas in 11th grade. At the time, the move to a new town and high school left her feeling down and stopping some activities, like dance and cheerleading, that she once enjoyed. "The first time I tried to diet was that same year, when I was hoping to fit into a dress for my school's homecoming dance," recalled Kyra. "It didn't work because I was so inactive. That's when I thought, "I need to lose weight." This began years of diet and exercise that left her with few lasting results other than feelings of disappointment and gnawing hunger. In college, Kyra gained about 50 pounds. Throughout her adult life, she tried numerous fad diets and workouts, starting a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. After the birth of her son and daughter, Kyra struggled even more to lose the weight she gained during her pregnancies. It was around this time that Kyra started looking at options beyond diet and exercise for weight loss. Knowing that she wasn't interested in bariatric surgery, Kyra spent the next seven years researching alternatives that might help address her weight loss challenges. Kyra is not alone in her struggle to lose weight. Forty-two percent of American adults live with Obesity, a complex condition that can lead to health issues such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke and some Cancers. The FDA approval of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for weight loss has prompted much needed conversation around the nature of Obesity, reframing it not as a stigmatizing issue of "willpower" but as a medical problem that can require medical approaches. "It's not that I ate horribly, I would just eat too much, and I felt like I was always hungry," explained Kyra. "So, the idea of limiting my stomach capacity was very appealing." While searching online, Kyra came across an innovative new approach called Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). Like the more traditional bariatric surgery, ESG significantly reduces the size of the stomach. However, unlike bariatric surgery, ESG is an incisionless endoscopic procedure. It does not involve any external incisions or leave scars. In a clinical study, patients returned to normal activities within a few days. After talking with her doctor about ESG, Kyra decided to move ahead. "This was exactly what I'd been looking for," she says. She had her procedure in August 2020, using the OverStitchTM Endoscopic Suturing System, a small suturing device attached to a camera that is passed through the patient's mouth and into their stomach while they are asleep. A specially trained doctor sews the stomach into a smaller shape, reducing its capacity by 70% to 80%. The procedure helps people eat less and feel full faster to help them achieve significant, lasting weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle modifications. Kyra was able to return home the same day. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, Kyra lost 110 pounds in her first year.* "I made up my mind that ESG was going to work for me, and I was going to do everything possible to get the results I wanted," explained Kyra. "I can still eat what I want, but I exercise and am conscious of what I eat. When I eat too much now, I feel a tightness in my stomach that serves as a helpful reminder not to go back to my old habits." Now, four years later, Kyra continues to keep the weight off. "One of the most important lessons I've learned through this journey is that you have to be willing to assess and adjust based on your evolving lifestyle," she said. "Balancing the needs of my two teenage children along with my own can be a challenge. Since my procedure, I have been able to maintain a routine when it comes to my diet and model healthy habits to my children." While exercise continues to be the biggest challenge for Kyra, she motivates herself to prioritize movement almost every day with activities that include step aerobics, walking, lifting weights and riding her indoor cycling bike. "I didn't realize how bad I felt until I started to feel better," said Kyra. "By losing weight and changing my diet and exercise routines, my energy levels are way up, and I have much more stamina than I did before. ESG has been, hands-down, the best decision I've ever made for my health." Kyra now shares her advice and insights with others who may be considering the ESG procedure. "Losing weight — even with ESG — is both a physical and mental battle. Even though it's hard, try not to compare yourself to others and their successes — focus on you and your own personal journey." To learn more about ESG or to speak with a doctor in your area, visit: www.ApolloEndoSurgery.com . Previous Next

Keeping Diners Coming Back For More: From Scratch-Made Pasta To Craft Cocktails, North Italia Fort Lauderdale Delivers By Merilee Kern & Devyn Kern Mar 6, 2025 Situated in downtown Fort Lauderdale lies North Italia, a restaurant brand celebrated from coast to coast for scratch-preparing both modern and classic Italian meals every single day … all executed with delicious precision. With a range of choices to satisfy any craving—from traditional pasta dishes and creative pizzas to delightful small plates crafted using the freshest ingredients— the menu has amassed numerous fan favorite dishes. The trendy yet inviting layout of the restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating options as well as an expansive bar, makes it well-suited for nearly any lunch or dinner occasion. The open, visible kitchen setup allows guests to observe chefs in action as they meticulously prepare each dish with care and enthusiasm. While both the interior dining room and the outdoor terrace are each adorned with lighting and modern furnishings, the al fresco option is ideal for savoring South Florida’s delightful climate. Must haves fundamentals for dining devotees include these dishes from across the varied menu categories. Fabulous starter options include small plates like the Cacio e Pepe Arancini, which features crispy risotto balls with pecorino Romano cheese, a crushed pepper blend and pesto aioli for a delightful combination of textures and rich flavors. The Black Mediterranean Mussels with Calabrese salami, white wine, garlic butter, fresh herbs and grilled bread provides a savory and aromatic start to your meal … also showcasing the restaurant's skill with seafood-driven dishes. No afterthought, salads here are dressed to impress. The Seasonal Vegetable Salad includes butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, radicchio, pecorino, fregola, pistachio, date and a white balsamic vinaigrette, creating a vibrant and nutritious dish. The Italian Farm Salad combines salami, speck, provolone, pepperoncini, olive, heirloom cherry tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, roasted pepper, herb breadcrumb, and oregano vinaigrette for a hearty and flavorful option. At this locale, pizzas are paramount. The delectable Prosciutto Pizza topped with smoked prosciutto, mission figs, goat cheese arugula leaves—all garnished with a drizzle of honey—proffers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Margherita Pizza is a classic choice, of course, with house-made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, and fresh basil, delivering a clean and simple, yet delicious, flavor profile. Of course, the homemade pasta here is a stellar standout. Two dishes exemplifying which include the Lumache alla Norcina includes fennel sausage, rapini, grana padano crema, herb breadcrumbs, and black truffle, creating a rich and indulgent dish. The house specialty Bolognese features traditional meat sauce, pappardelle, grana padano, wild oregano, and EVOO, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Pizza and pasta aside, other entrée options are an equitable epicurean delight. The Braised Short Rib Marsala with beech mushroom, brussel sprouts, heirloom carrot, black truffle risotto, and affinato—and the Grilled Branzino replete with roasted fennel, brussel sprouts, rapini, romanesco, fingerling potato, cipollini and lemon caper butter—further exemplify the restaurants culinary ingenuity. Beverages here are also built differently. While Italian restaurants understand the importance of perfectly matching a beverage with a meal, North Italia adds its unique flair. Their cocktail selection boasts an array of creative cocktail concoctions like the Just Peachy with white peach, raspberry, lemon and ginger beer; and the Limonata Rossa featuring black cherry, fresh lemon and soda, The restaurant’s curated wine list offers a blend of Italian, local and other options to perfectly accompany any dining experience. Below, North Italia’s Chef Ryan Smith offers a few other tasty insights as to why this eatery has gained—and sustained—its popularity in SoFlo: LLR: What makes the Fort Lauderdale location of North Italia unique compared to the other U.S. locations? CRS: Fort Lauderdale is different from, let’s say, Miami where it’s all about the new restaurant openings that everyone wants to go to. Locals in Fort Lauderdale love going to their staple restaurants that have been around for 30 to 40-plus years … and it’s the generations of locals that keep them alive. Although North Italia is new, I believe it will become the local Italian restaurant for generations to come. Our broad menu lends itself to our guests exploring numerous options. North Italia is not a “traditional” Italian restaurant, therefore we offer much more than just pizza and pastas. We also continually update our menus so new and returning guests alike can experience a variety of dishes including appetizers, salads, and entrees, in addition to our pastas and pizzas. LLR: What sets North Italia Fort Lauderdale apart from other dining options in the area? CRS: Our handmade pastas, beautiful patio, bar spaces and elevated hospitality set the restaurant apart from others. We pay attention to what our guests are seeking in a dining experience. For one, we change our menu twice a year to allow for the freshest ingredients with the most flavor. This also ensures we are staying current with different culinary and bar trends. Our open kitchens display our commitment to freshness where you can see our team hand rolling our doughs and stuffing our pastas for our guests. We also work personally with people planning special private events and can cater to whatever they are looking for when hosting a party. LLR: For first-time visitors, what tips or advice would you offer a guest to ensure they have an unforgettable dining experience? CRS: Come in to relax with friends or family, enjoy some wine, share some small plates or pizza … and don’t leave without trying a pasta! Amid our commitment to freshness, we produce our pizza dough and pastas in-house daily, paying close attention to technique. Each pasta—from our Tortellini Al Pomodoro to our Squid Ink Tonnarelli—is made with simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. LLR: Do share a bit more about how North Italia’s fresh-made pastas elevate the guest experience—also having become a signature of the brand at large. CRS: The art of making pasta is more than just a recipe. It is a technique passed down from generation to generation. Each region has its own unique shape that is a celebration of Italian culture. We bring that culture into every pasta we make. We want our pasta to reflect the regionality from which it comes. When creating new menu items or updating existing dishes, we intentionally pair the specific type of pasta to the accompanying components of the dish, including the sauce, cheeses, and garnish. Another key element that elevates this guest experience is taking the time to train our staff to assist with wine pairings that best compliment each pasta—or any—dish, ensuring we are also taking the guest’s preferences into consideration. LLR: Does the restaurant cater to diners with dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegetarians or gluten-free guests? CRS: Yes, we can accommodate all guests with any dietary restrictions by modifying any of our dishes, as necessary. In fact, we have many dishes that are inherently vegetarian on our menu. Some examples include the Zucca Chips, Cacio E Pepe Arancini, Burrata Di Stagione, our Seasonal Vegetable Salad, the Funghi Pizza, and our Tortelloni Al Pomodoro. We also offer gluten-free pasta and pizza crusts by request, with a handful of dishes that are naturally gluten-free. LLR: What is the approach to the beverage offerings? CRS: We try to stay current with trends in the industry. For example, we continually introduce new and unique Italian wines, enhance classic cocktails by adding Italian ingredients and we recently added a “mocktail” section on our menu as we are seeing them become more and more popular. We use Italian liquors to create our own twist on classic cocktails. Our Sicilian margarita topped with our house made sangria is a must try, along with our cold-served “Jump Start” double espresso martini shaken with chocolate and cream. In all, North Italia Fort Lauderdale provides a dining experience that combines extraordinarily fresh and robust flavors with a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere—all underpinned by exemplary staff service. Be it a meal on-the-go, A foodie-forward lunch or dinner experience, or a memorable celebration, this restaurant serves up an authentic slice of Italy in the vibrant heart of South Florida. Photos Courtesy of North Italia; Some Copyright Jill McNamara Photography Previous Next

A Rousing Finale Completes SFSO’s 28th Season - The Orchestra Presents Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony And Hebrides Overtune “Fingal’s Cave” Plus Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 Featuring Tao Lin South Florida Sun Times Mar 26, 2026 Dark And Stormy Seas Give Way To Sun-Soaked Skies During South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) 28th Season Of “Juxtapositions” Closer At 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 At The Parker Located At 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Led By Award-Winning Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, SFSO presents Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave” Which Conjures The Misty And Mystic Beauty Of Scotland’s Famed Isle Of Staffa, And His Symphony No. 4, Nicknamed The “Italian,” Recalling The Country’s Natural Beauty, Radiating Warmth And Energy. Rounding Out The Program Is Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, A Rich And Nuanced Affair, Featuring Acclaimed Pianist Tao Lin. Enjoy A Pre-Concert Chat With Dr. Alan Mason 30 Minutes Before The Performance, Featuring In-Depth Conversation And Insights About The Works And Composers. "To borrow from Italy’s famous saying, ‘la dolce vita’ - life is sweetest when shared,” said Maestra Alfonso. “Our ‘Juxtapositions’ finale beautifully captures that spirit: the sunny cheerfulness of Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ Symphony and the luminous reflection of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto are made all the sweeter by the audiences who bring them to life. These contrasting journeys - one vibrant, the other introspective - remind us that music is a conversation, and its true magic happens in the shared moments between performers and listeners." The awe-inducing rugged beauty of Fingal’s Cave, a sea cavern on the Isle of Staffa known for its natural acoustics, is the inspiration behind Mendelssohn’s stirring Hebrides Overture. Here, Mendelssohn deftly crafts a stunning portrait of Scotland’s crashing waves and misty and mysterious coastline, setting an early example of a tone poem (a standalone work that evokes a mood or sets a scene) in the process. Nature strikes again in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, nicknamed the “Italian.” Influenced by the brilliant blue skies of Italy, this sunny work bristles with energy and warmth. Its finale, a Saltarello – a lively Italian folk dance – is said to be inspired by the composer’s own Roman carnival adventures, where he was even “pelted with sugar candies.” A solitary piano draws you into Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto and turns tradition on its head. Frequent SFSO guest pianist Tao Lin performs this revolutionary work that replaces bravado with vulnerability through a delicate dialogue between piano and orchestra that swells into grand passages of triumph and vitality. Described by critics as possessing “keen musical intelligence and excellent facility” (Miami Herald), “joyful virtuosity and stylish musicianship” (Gramophone magazine), as well as “opulent and romantic tone” (Fanfare), Chinese American concert pianist and Steinway artist Tao Lin has performed in Asia, North America, and Europe with orchestras including Moscow Chamber, Winnipeg Symphony, Atlantic Classical, and Knoxville Civic. As a recitalist, he has appeared at Kennedy Center, National Gallery of Art, Rockefeller University, Chautauqua Institute, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Minnesota Orchestra Hall, Izumi Hall (Osaka, Japan), and Edvard Grieg Museum in Norway. He has also appeared in concerts with Aspen Trio, Miami, Bergonzi, Alcon, Ying, Shanghai, and Rosalyra String Quartets, as well as distinguished musicians. A frequent pianist and lecturer at the Music Festival of the Hamptons, Mainly Mozart Festival, Music Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Arts Rolla Festival, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, and Festival Miami, Lin is currently an artist faculty member at the Bowdoin International Music Festival and is a visiting professor at Shanghai Normal University School of Music. A prolific recording artist, Lin can be heard on Naxos, Artek, Centaur, Romeo, Poinciana, and Piano Lovers labels, his recording of the complete music for Violin and Piano by Franz Schubert (with Violinist Tomas Cotik) was awarded Recording of the Year by MusicWeb International. SFSO’s 28th Season of “Juxtapositions” has explored beauty in contrasts, where the bold and the sublime intersect, and timeless masterpieces share the stage with today’s most compelling and celebrated musical voices. From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. Tickets are now on sale beginning at $35 (plus ticketing fees). Purchase tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org . Or: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com . By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Press Option#: 1. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. For additional information, visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org . Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 28th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 160,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, call: (954) 522-8445. Or visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org . Previous Next

Healthy Holiday Tips for Pregnant People Thu Dec 12 2024 18:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Savor the Flavors and Sounds at Taste of Dania Beach Wed Dec 25 2024 18:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Grand Klezmer Concert: Tuesday, May 9th at 1:30pm April 27, 2023 Share Zevy Steiger and Aryeh Leib Hurwitz, Two World Renowned Cantors and the Heavy Shtetl Klezmer Band will delight South Florida with authentic Klezmer, Yiddish and other great Jewish music! These two Cantors will rock the house with their magnificent voices! United Jewish Generations, a Chabad organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the Jewish Senior Citizen Population, is proud to present this amazing concert which is truly going above and beyond. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy this beautiful music with the highest caliber musicians, cantors and we therefore provide the most incredible entertainment and yet we offer tickets at a price you can’t refuse,” says Rabbi Menachem Smith, Director of United Jewish Generations. The performance will take place at the Hallandale Cultural Community Center (the building behind the Broward County Library on US1.) 410 Southeast 3rd Street, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. The date is May 9th, at 1:30pm. This is a special Jewish holiday called “Lag Baomer” and customary to present cultural Jewish music and festivities. Tickets are priced from $10 and up. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.UnitedJewishGenerations.com/Klezmer And by calling: (954) 458-6000. The Heavy Shtetl Band of expert Klezmerists is the brainchild of Alexander Mikhaylovsky, a Violinist from Odessa, Ukraine. At the age of 4, he started to learn violin with his first violin professor, Bella Barsky. He graduated music school with the Golden Medal and went to the Odessa Music College to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Music, then attended the University of Music and Pedagogy in Russia, where he achieved a Master's Degree in Music in 1990. Since then he has played with various groups including: The Miami Symphony Orchestra, Latin American Chamber Orchestra, Florida Grand Opera and The Miami Ballet. Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early, to attain the best seats and also keep in mind that this event has sold out in the past! For more information, please email: admin@unitedjewishgenerations.com < Previous News Next News >

Back By Popular Demand...It's "Yesterday Once More": Top Of The World: A Carpenters Tribute Is Coming To Aventura With Holiday Classics Tue Jul 18 2023 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)