Virginia Woolf once wrote, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” It’s a sentiment that rings true for all of us. Food is more than sustenance — it’s memory, tradition and joy, shared with the people we love. Whether it’s a simple, home-cooked dinner or an extraordinary feast, the act of dining well elevates every part of life.
This month, our plate is brimming with delicious stories. For starters, we’ve got the incomparable Tyler Florence gracing our cover. A celebrity chef, restaurateur, author and television host, Florence has long been a household name in American cuisine. But it’s his enduring contributions to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival — where he has delighted thousands of attendees with his culinary flair year after year — that make him such a perfect fit for this issue. Read all about it in our cover feature, “This Chef Is On Fire,” on page 60.
We follow that with a fan favorite: pasta. Our piece, “Pasta, A Love Story” (page 66), takes readers on a journey through Italy’s most iconic food. Before unification of the country was completed in 1861, pasta served as a cultural bond. Each fief and village had its own shapes and recipes, many of which are still enjoyed today. From potato gnocchi in the Veneto region to tortellini in Emilia-Romagna, pasta remains not just a dish, but a symbol of identity and tradition.
Of course, food is most memorable when it’s shared with family, and no one knows that better than Kelsey Barnard Clark. “Rooted In The South” (page 72) shines a light on this culinary star — the first Southerner to win “Top Chef” — as she balances a thriving restaurant and catering business with the joys of raising her young family.
Travel, too, is made infinitely richer by food. For me, one of the best ways to truly experience another culture is through its flavors. In “The World On A Plate” (page 78), we explore the cuisines of places as diverse as Oman, Nigeria and Spain, with a selection of cookbooks that will transport you right to their tables. Just a word of caution: You may find yourself inspired to book a flight or, at the very least, add a few new titles to your kitchen shelf.
This issue also marks the debut of something very special: our expanded Readers’ Choice Awards (page 84). For the first time, we’ve gone beyond food and drink to recognize more than 80 categories of local excellence. From fitness studios, beauty salons and spas to pet stores, boutiques and home renovation firms, the winners represent the businesses that our community loves most. We’re proud to celebrate these local treasures across Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach — as chosen by you, our cherished readers.
Lastly, October continues the observance of the High Holidays, a time for reflection, gratitude and renewal for many in our community. May this season of tradition and togetherness remind us all to savor not only what is on our plates, but also the joy of gathering around the table with those we hold dear.
Warmest regards,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com