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Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle

Meet Me at Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton

In Boca Raton there are so many things you can do from the entertainment to the dining. On Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 the 2nd Annual Meet Me at Royal Palm Place Art & Crafts show will be held from 10:00 AM till 5:00 PM in Royal Palm Plaza. There will many local artists, and cultural crafters showcasing their unique influences. Royal Palm Plaza also has some of the best dining and shopping around. Be sure to stop by.

For more information visit www.RoyalPalmPlace.com

The Weinbaum Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton is Relocating!!

Some changes are coming to the Jewish Community in Boca Raton. In 1998 Weinbaum Yeshiva High School opened its doors by leasing space at the Boca Raton Synagogue located on Palmetto and Powerline around Montoya Circle. The school was named after Jack and Bessie Weinbaum for their donation in 2003. Much of that donation along with a capital campaign that is about to start will be used to help construct a new facility located on the grounds of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County located on Glades & just east of 441.

Instead of renting space they will own the building, and the Jewish Federation has agreed to lease the land for 6 years. The new school should break ground in 12-18 months.

The executive director said the new school will include "a Beit Midrash large enough to accommodate 400 students, a Sephardic Beit Midrash, gymnasium, dining room, 20 classrooms (with space for 10 more), chemistry lab, biology lab, art studio, regulation soccer field, and offices to accommodate our school's anticipated growth."

The School currently has about 210 students. The new school will nearly double the amount of students, and will help provide for several more jobs.

Look for this coming in sometime in late 2010 or early 2011.

Where to Eat in Highland Beach and Boca Raton!!

Where to Eat?

Highland Beach is strictly a Residential town with only 1 business, Holiday Inn Oceanside, being allowed to operate as it was grandfathered in prior to the laws changing prohibiting businesses to operate within the Town of Highland Beach.

The Holiday Inn Ocean side is located directly on the ocean nestled right before Delray Beach limits. It consists of 115 recently renovated rooms, and has a swimming pool, fitness facility, and a restaurant called Lattitudes Ocean Grill. Lattitudes has an amazing Sunday brunch, and casual food during the day and evening.

Although Highland Beach only has that one restaurant in the surrounding areas including Boca Raton there are some phenomenal restaurants. Here is a list:

A great place for something a little different. They offer a fondue style of restaurant. Great for special occassions. Prices are around $35 a person and up. Located in Boca Raton about 2 miles from Highland Beach.

A elegant dining experience, this Italian Restaurant has been a mainstay for Boca Raton. Named one of the best Italian restaurants in South Florida, Arturo's does Italian with flaire. Priced from around $50 a person this may not be an everyday restaurant, but is one of the best restaurants around. Located also about 2 miles from Highland Beach.

Renzo's does it right. They have been at the same location for over 18 years. They are a family owned and operated Italian restaurant straight from Long Island. They have been so popular that they opened up in 2004 a more casual dining experience, Renzo's Cafe & Pizzeria, and in 2006 they opened up Renzo's West. All of there restaurants are great, but there main one located on federal highway is the best. Great atmosphere with great food. On weekends live music from a person playing all of your favorties on an accordian. Priced from around $25 a person

Another Boca Italian restaurant from the sophisticated and elegant setting of New York. Fine Italian Dining at its best. An opera singer is there on most weekends which livens up the already impressive atmosphere. Priced from around $35 a person this is another one of Boca's finest.

A phenomenal authentic Greek Restaurant. Great atmosphere with an open kitchen and they prepare some of your favorites. Open for Lunch and Dinner this is a restaurant not to be missed. They make their own Pita bread and hummus, and their dishes are amazing. During Lunch Priced from around $10 a person, and dinner $20 a person.

There are so many other restaurants to choose from, but these are some of my favorites. Try them out and let me know your favorites. Here is to a Good Eating Day!!

What's For Dinner in Boca Raton?

Boca Raton has some of the very best restaurants around. From the casual to the chique, here are some of my favorites, and thanks to Zagat reviews as well.

Zagat is one of the Leading Food Critic Guides in the Country. If you have been to a great restaurant or maybe even a restaurant that you would never want to go back to, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at DSerle@SearchPalmBeachHomes.com and I will publish your review on both my website and blog.

You can find coupons on www.SouthFloridaDines.com

Great information as well.

Abe & Louie's
2200 West Glades Rd.
(Renaissance Way)
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-447-0024

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

-

-

-

E

A bit of Boston beefs up Boca with the arrival of this bustling steakhouse (with a Massachusetts-based sibling), where deep-pocketed diners stake their claim on the meat menu or swing over to the seafood selections, raw or cooked, all served in a clubby and elegant wood-paneled dining room; a martini menu and an impressive wine list fit right in.

Absinthe
Boca Raton Marriott
5150 Town Center Circle
(S. Military Trail)
Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-620-3754

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

-

-

-

M

This new Boca boîte - part lounge, part brasserie - serves New American cuisine in a chic setting that belies its Marriott home base; it's drawing travelers and locals looking for unique cocktails and fairly priced fare for lunch or dinner.

Addison, The

2 E. Camino Real
(S. Dixie Hwy.)
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-395-9335

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

23

27

22

$54


The epitome of "special-occasion" dining is this "romantic" Boca Raton Continental set in Addison Mizner's restored 1925 office building; though the "consistently good" fare pleases patrons, it's the "stunning" setting enhanced by the "gorgeous courtyard" complete with banyan tree that wins over the hearts of many; surveyors may be split on service (from "excellent" to "erratic"), but the majority concurs that a "memorable" evening's in store

Arturo's Ristorante
6750 N. Federal Hwy.
(1 mi. north of Yamato Rd.)
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-7373

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

23

21

23

$53

This durable "special-occasion" Italian in northeast Boca is "still doing it right", distinguishing itself with "exemplary" food, a "sumptuous" antipasto cart, "great" wines and ambiance graced by piano and by "accommodating" servers who take you for "family"; alright, it may "need a fresh look", but most agree it's "a place to savor"; N.B. jacket suggested.


Bistro Zenith
Regency Court Shopping Ctr.
3011 Yamato Rd.
(Jog Rd.)
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-997-2570

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

17

17

17

$34


"Trendy" types tune into this "popular" bistro in Regency Court, where the "eclectic" New American slate includes "healthy options" at "reasonable prices"; though service can be "spacey" (but "well meaning") and the fare "unexceptional", regulars rely on it for a "casual" meal.

Ichiban
8841 Glades Rd.
(Lyons Rd.)
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-451-0420
Other Locations

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

19

17

19

$30

Those itching for "good" Japanese fare welcome these Davie and Boca sites dispensing "tasty" sushi and cooked items; though frowning foodies feel the fare's "unexciting", satisfied supporters say it's "reliable"; tip: the PBC location's hibachi table offers entertainment suitable "for all ages

Padrino's
Mission Bay Plaza
20455 State Rd. 7
(Glades Rd.)
Boca Raton, FL 33498
561-451-1070
Other Locations

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

20

13

18

$22

Loyalists think there are "abuelas" cooking up "delicious" comfort food in the kitchens of these "friendly" Broward and Boca Cubans; the fare's "super-affordable", especially at the "great" lunch buffets where you can have your fill without going broke; N.B. the Oakland Park branch opened post-Survey.

Pete's Boca Raton
7940 Glades Rd.
(Florida Tpke.)
Boca Raton, FL 33434

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

18

20

18

$42

This "glitzy" but "classy" Boca surf ‘n' turfer "overlooking a lake" makes a "fun" destination for "older" types who appreciate the "wonderful fish, steak and chops" but suggest going when you "want to splurge a little" or stick to the "good-deal early-bird specials"; the less-impressed call it "past its prime", though even they concede it's "good for special occasions" ("grandma loves this place").

TooJay's Original Gourmet Deli
Regency Court Plaza
3013 Yamato Rd.
(Jog Rd.)
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-997-9911
Other Locations

ZAGAT
Ratings & Review

Food

Decor

Service

Cost

18

10

15

$19

South Florida's answer to the "Lower East Side" is this delicatessen chain sending out time-honored curatives such as "great", "sky-high" pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup and chopped liver that "rules" served by fittingly "fast" servers; those who think it's "not up to New York City standards" are outvoted.

A Guide to the City of Boca Raton

The Boca Raton Resort. Addison Mizners Masterpiece

The City of Boca Raton, FL has long been one of the most desireable areas in the country. The address Boca Raton, FL is made up into 2 parts. One is within the city limits, and the other is unincorporated Palm Beach County. Although the address is still Boca Raton residents of unicorporated does not receive the many benefits of being within the city limits. The City of Boca Raton has its own water system which tends to be at least half the monthly payment of what Palm Beach County Water Utilities are. Also the city of Boca Raton has the lowest tax rate in the county. The City of Boca Raton is known for its "snowbirds" (people who come down during the winter months form the northeast). This is not Florida's bird. Florida's bird is the mockingbird. Did you know that Florida's national flower is the orange blossom? The City of Boca Raton has some of the best beaches and parks around. Here is a list of them, their hours, and how many acres they are:


AREAS ACRES ADDRESS HOURS
Boca Isles 1.1 1200 SW 2nd Avenue 8 AM - Sunset
Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course 195.5 8111 Golf Course Road 7 AM - Sunset
Boca Tierra 6 2601 NW 43rd Street 8 AM - Sunset
Camino Villas 0.2 580 W. CAMino Rea & El Rio Canal 8 AM - Sunset
Dog Park 2.0 Broken Sound Blvd. 7:30 AM - Sunset
Rio Trail 2.5 M Along El Rio Canal (Glades Rd.& 40th St. Sunrise - Sunset
George Snow 5.6 1101 NW 15th Street 8 AM - Sunset
Golden Fig Park 1.5 600 NW 7th Street 8 AM - Sunset
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 15 1801 N. Ocean Blvd. 9 AM - 4 PM
Hidden Lakes 1.4 NW 4th Ave. & Country Club Blvd. 8 AM - Sunset
Hillsboro El Rio 12.5 499 SW 18th Street 8 AM - 10 PM
Hughes 3.2 200 NE 14th Street 8 AM - 11 PM
James A. Rutherford 45 600 NE 24th Street 8 AM - Sunset
Lake Wyman 8.3 1500 NE 5th Avenue 8 AM - Sunset
Meadows 12.7 1300 NW 8th Street 7 AM - 11 PM
Memorial 17 150 Crawford Blvd. 8 AM - 11 PM
AREAS ACRES ADDRESS HOURS
Mizner Park 5.19 Federal Highway and Mizner Blvd.
NW 11th Avenue Park 0.1 620 NW 11th Avenue 8 AM - Sunset
Palmetto Dune Park 3.3 601 W. Palmetto Park Rd. 8 AM - Sunset
Patch Reef 55 2000 Yamato Road 8 AM -11 PM
Patch Reef Trail 3.5M Along E4 Canal (Glades Rd. to Yamato Rd.) Sunrise - Sunset
Pine Breeze 1.5 1100 SW 20th Street 8 AM - Sunset
Swim & Racquet Center 14.31 21626 St. Andrews Blvd. 7:30 AM - 10 PM
Red Reef 39.7 1400 N. State Road A1A 8 AM - 10 PM
Red Reef Executive Golf Course 26.2 1221 N. State Road A1A 7:30 AM - Sunset
Sanborn Square 1.4 72 N. Federal Highway 8 AM - Sunset
Sand Pine 8.6 300 Newcastle Street (NE) 8 AM - 11 PM
Serenoa Glade Preserve 9 1101 NW 15th Street 8 AM - Sunset
Silver Palm 3.7 600 E. Palmetto Park Road 24 hrs.
Spanish River 94.4 3001 N. State Road A1A 8 AM - Sunset
South Beach 24.5 400 N. State Road A1A 8 AM - Sunset
Sugar Sand Park 132 300 S. Military 8 AM - 11 PM
University Woodlands 15 2501 St. Andrews 8 AM - 11 PM
Yale Newman Park 0.6 470 NW 35th Street 8 AM - 11 PM

In the city of Boca Raton another benefit is being able to utilize the libraries, and you are able to buy a beach sticker for a nominal fee. This allows you access and to park for free at many of the public beaches. Here are a list of phone numbers where you can find out more information.

Beach Stickers - Patch Reef Community Center
2000 Yamato Road
(561) 367-7035

Library Services - Spanish River Library and
Community Center
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd
(561) 393-7980

Utility Payments - City Hall
201 W. Palmetto Park Road
(561) 393-7750

Here is some more information of the beach stickers and permits:

Where to Obtain a Beach Permit?

Boca Raton Community Center
150 Crawford Blvd.
M-F 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm
(561) 393-7806 (then press 1)

City Hall
201 W. Palmetto Pk. Rd.
M-F 8:00am - 4:45pm
Cashier Office, 1st Floor
(561) 393-7856

City Hall Annex
3001 W. Yamato Road
in lobby of Fire Station #7
at Regency Court Shopping Center.
M-F 8:00am - 4:45pm
(561) 544-8508

James A. Rutherford Community Center
at Patch Reef Park

2000 W. Yamato Road
M-F 8:00am - 10:00pm
Sat. 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun. 10:00am - 5:00pm
(561) 367-7035

Sugar Sand Park Community Center
300 S. Military Trail
M-F 8:00am - 10:00pm
Sat. 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun. 10:00am - 5:00pm
(561) 347-3900

Accessibility to Beach Parks Are As Follow:

CITY RESIDENTS - Ownership of South Beach, Red Reef and Spanish River Parks is held by the City. City residents are allowed use of all three parks for one permit cost of $31.25 (tax included).

BEACH AND PARK DISTRICT RESIDENTS - The City owns the Red Reef Park property, and the Beach and Park District provides all funding for operation and maintenance. This agreement allows the District residents to use South Beach, Red Reef, and Spanish River Parks for a fee of $31.25 (tax included).

COUNTY RESIDENTS - Residents of Palm Beach County may purchase a permit for South Beach Park only, through an agreement between the City and County. The City is responsible for all operation and maintenance, with the provision that County residents be allowed usage of the Park at the same rate as City residents, $31.25 (tax included).

Daily Rates (tax included):
Monday - Friday Weekends/Holidays*
Red Reef and Spanish River Parks (class 1)
Red Reef and Spanish River Parks (class 2)
South Beach Park (class 1)
South Beach Park (class 2)
$16.00
$32.00
$15.00
$32.00
$18.00
$60.00
$17.00
$60.00

CLASS 1 VEHICLES - Automobiles, motorcycles, motorbikes, and mini vans (up to 15 passengers).
CLASS 2 VEHICLES - Buses, trucks, cargo vans, shuttle buses and other motor vehicles not included or described in Class 1.

*HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.

No Transfer of Permits:
Permits are not transferable and must be permanently affixed to the bottom left front of the interior windshield glass of the automobile in order to be admitted into a park. Any transfer of the permit will result in revocation. Any sticker not properly affixed to the windshield glass will cause the vehicle to not be allowed to enter the park facility until properly affixed. Sticker CANNOT be taped to windshield glass or placed on paper or transparencies.

Replacement of Permits:
If you should trade or sell your vehicle, or have your windshield replaced, you must SCRAPE the permit from the windshield and return it with your receipt and new car registration. PERMITS THAT ARE STOLEN OR LOST WILL NOT BE REISSUED.

Permit Credits:
Credit can be given for one (1) daily park entrance fee per vehicle towards purchase of annual pass. Payment must be made by residents within 30 days of dated receipt, ONLY if you are eligible to use that particular park. In order to obtain a credit, return the original park entrance receipt when applying for your permit. You may get a credit only at time of purchase.