SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - Larry Mastropieri

Madame Tang’s: A Fresh Spin on Asian Cuisine by Celebrity Chef Ralph Pagano in Boca Raton

Food enthusiasts and fans of culinary television are in for a treat as celebrity chef Ralph Pagano, alongside Jay Shirodkar, gears up to unveil their latest gastronomic venture, Madame Tang’s, in Boca Raton. Slated to open in the spring of 2024 at the Town Center at Boca Raton mall, Madame Tang’s promises to bring a new and modern twist to Chinese cuisine and other Asian favorites.

Chef Pagano, known for his dynamic appearances on popular TV cooking competitions like “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Pressure Cook,” and “Iron Chef,” is no stranger to the South Florida culinary scene. His Naked brand, featuring establishments like Naked Taco and Naked Crab, has already made a significant mark throughout the region. With Madame Tang’s, Pagano is set to elevate his…

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Discovering Mizner Park: A Jewel in Boca Raton's Crown with Larry Mastropieri

Let's take a virtual journey through Mizner Park, one of Boca Raton's most iconic and vibrant locations. Guided by Larry Mastropieri, a renowned real estate broker and owner of The Mastropieri Group, this video tour offers an insightful glimpse into the heart of Palm Beach County.

Mizner Park, a cornerstone of Boca Raton since its opening in 1991, is a testament to high-end, mixed-use development. Spanning an impressive 398,000 square feet, it houses 45 diverse stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, alongside 272 luxurious apartment units. This blend of retail, dining, and residential spaces creates a dynamic living experience in the heart of the city.

Our tour starts at the north end of the park, in front of the Mizner Park Amphitheatre.…

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Florida Lender Acquires Nigerian Oil Tycoon's Unfinished Manalapan Mansion for $21.5M

In a significant turn of events in the luxury real estate market, a Florida lender has acquired the oceanfront Manalapan estate of Nigerian oil mogul Onajite Okoloko. The spec megamansion, which was under construction, was purchased for $21.5 million by Edward London’s London Financial South Ocean LLC, a Florida-based entity.

Onajite Okoloko, a prominent figure in Nigeria's oil industry and chairman of Midwestern Oil & Gas, Eroton Exploration & Production, and Notore Chemical Industries, had initially listed the property for a staggering $87.5 million. Okoloko, also a co-founder of Ocean and Oil Holdings, faced foreclosure on the property located at 1460 South Ocean Boulevard, leading to its eventual sale.

Edward London, a Key Biscayne-based lender…

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Buccan: A Culinary Jewel in Palm Beach Shines on OpenTable's 'Top 100' List

Buccan, a trailblazing eatery in Palm Beach County, has once again garnered national recognition by securing a place on OpenTable's prestigious "Top 100 Restaurants" in the United States. Since its inception in 2011, Buccan has been redefining dining in Palm Beach, led by the culinary prowess of Chef Clay Conley.

This year, Buccan stands out as one of only seven Florida restaurants to be featured on the list, which was announced on November 14. This is not Buccan's first appearance on the list, having previously been recognized in 2019.

Sam Slattery and Piper Quinn, Conley's partners at Ember Group, share their pride in this achievement. "Being on this list is particularly meaningful as it reflects the opinions and ratings of our diners. Despite the…

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Boca Raton's Corporate Magnet: Mutual of America's Bold Expansion in the Park at Broken Sound

Boca Raton is on the verge of a significant transformation in its corporate landscape, led by Mutual of America's ambitious expansion plans in the Park at Broken Sound. The New York-based life insurance giant, already established in the park with a regional office, is gearing up to dramatically upscale its presence.

The company's vision involves demolishing its current office and replacing it with a much larger facility, nearly tripling its existing space. This expansion is not just about square footage; it's a strategic move to relocate an additional 200 employees from its Manhattan base to Boca Raton, effectively doubling the local workforce to 400. This shift represents about one-third of Mutual of America's total employees.

The Park at Broken Sound,…

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PopStroke Delray Beach: A New Destination for Mini Golf and Family Fun in Palm Beach County

PopStroke Entertainment Group, a leader in mini golf and entertainment, co-partnered with golf legend Tiger Woods and TaylorMade, has unveiled its newest location in Delray Beach. Opening its doors on November 8th, PopStroke Delray Beach is the brand's ninth establishment, the sixth in Florida, and a first for Palm Beach County.

Strategically situated just a mile from the bustling Atlantic Avenue on Federal Highway, PopStroke Delray Beach captures the essence of a classic seaside town. This latest venue elevates the traditional PopStroke experience, offering guests a blend of relaxation and excitement. The facility features two expertly crafted 18-hole mini golf courses, a convenient walk-up bar on the course, and a contemporary indoor dining area…

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Bob Vila's Latest Masterpiece: Inside the $12.5 Million Historic Palm Beach Home Purchase

Television personality Bob Vila, known for his work on "This Old House," and his wife Diana Barrett have recently purchased a historic home in Palm Beach for $12.5 million from renowned interior designer Leta Austin Foster and her husband Ridgely. The property, located at 345 Pendleton Lane in the heart of Midtown, was a part of the Foster family for nearly half a century.

The Fosters, who acquired the 1940s house for $180,000 in 1975, sold it through trusts in their names, as indicated by courthouse records. The house, a Georgian Revival-style residence, features five bedrooms and encompasses 5,340 square feet of both indoor and outdoor living space. Designed by the late John L. Volk, a prominent Palm Beach architect, the house is one of the original…

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Charm City Burger Co. Embarks on a New Journey: Relocation and Rebranding in 2024

Charm City Burger Co., a staple for burger aficionados in Deerfield Beach for over ten years, is gearing up for an exciting transformation in early 2024. This renowned eatery, nestled off Hillsboro Boulevard, has been the recipient of numerous accolades and glowing reviews, thanks to its devoted local and visiting patrons.

In a fresh twist, the burger haven is set to move north to Boca Raton, with the launch date still under wraps. Meanwhile, the Deerfield Beach spot isn't saying goodbye but rather evolving into Charm City Sandwich Co., promising a paradise for sandwich enthusiasts.

But before the big shift, burger fans won't be left hanging. Charm City Burger Co. is delighting customers with a rotating selection of sandwich specials. The menu,…

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Celebrity Ascent: South Florida's New Gem of Luxury Cruising

The latest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, the Celebrity Ascent, has made a grand entrance in South Florida, captivating travelers with its blend of sophistication, elegance, and innovation. Described by travel agents as “beautiful” and “impressive,” the Ascent embarked on its inaugural cruise from Fort Lauderdale, offering a peek into its upscale cruise experience.

The Ascent is more than just a cruise ship; it's a floating masterpiece of refined decor, including stunning art installations, and exceptional dining venues. It boasts restaurants like the exquisite Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the renowned Fine Cut steakhouse. The culinary journey extends to its main restaurants, offering an array of choices from green alternatives to American…

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Boca Raton Welcomes Mooyah: A New Destination for Burger Aficionados

If you're a fan of juicy burgers and freshly cut fries, there's a new spot in Boca Raton that's a must-visit. Mooyah, a celebrated burger chain from Texas with three locations in Florida, has now opened its doors in Boca Raton, adding a fourth Florida location to its growing list of restaurants.

Founded in Plano, Texas in 2007, Mooyah has earned a reputation for burger perfection, thanks to its focus on high-quality ingredients and expert grilling techniques. The secret begins with their commitment to using only fresh, never frozen "Certified Angus Beef." Mooyah takes this a step further by adhering to 10 rigorous criteria for their ingredients, surpassing even the standards of USDA Prime, Choice, or Select.

The magic happens on the grill, where burgers…

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