Teen Tennis Sensation Coco Gauff Serves Notice That the Best Is Yet to Come She’S Got Game!PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 1 7,500

Teen tennis sensation Coco Gauff serves notice that the best is yet to come She’s Got Game!PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 1 7,500

2 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM ADOPT ME MY NAME IS SOUTH FLORIDA’S BEST LIFESTYLES “ROSA” CHRISTINE STIPHANY, CRS ® ONCE YOU ARE QUALIFIED, REALTOR I WILL PAY THE ADOPTION FEE. APPLY TODAY AT 305.903.8845 WWW.PAWS4YOU.ORG [email protected] PURESOUTHFLORIDA.COM 12751 S DIXIE HIGHWAY, PINECREST, FL 33156 SELLING OR BUYING A HOME? Call me Today! PORTABILITY Have you ever looked at your property tax bill Last month I sold a home for $570,000 and and noticed your market value and thought, the market value was reflected as $426,898 “Gee, my house is worth more than that!”? in the tax record. Clearly the market value Well, if you are selling your house, or plan to, is higher than $426,898 if a buyer was just it might just make sense for you to challenge willing to pay $570,000 for it. And, the that value with the Miami Dade County seller had the foresight to anticipate this Property Appraiser’s office and have it discrepancy in value and filed a petition with increased. Why would that make sense? If the Value Adjustment Board a/k/a the “VAB” you have Homestead Exemption, you have prior to their appeal deadline and prior to the received a benefit known as the “Save Our sale. I appeared before the VAB on behalf of 9801 SW 100 AVENUE | MIAMI Homes” cap. The Save Our Homes cap limits the seller and provided documentation from OFFERED AT $639,000 increases in the annual assessment of your the sale to substantiate the request for the Killian Greens Golf course! Cul-De-Sac Location. home to a maximum of 3% per annum increase in the value. Three weeks later the 4BR, 2BA. 2,163 SF. regardless of the increase in the Market Special Master ruled and agreed to Value. You then can “PORT” or use the increase the market value by $33,502 there- “TRANSFER OF HOMESTEAD ASSESSMENT by increasing the seller’s “portability” amount DIFFERENCE” to your new property up to to his new property and effecting a savings of $500,000. Therefore, it would be approximately $600 every year on his advantageous for you to have your market new house! value increased to the accurate value in order to maximize your portability amount. Here is a clip taken from www.miamidade. gov/pa/exemptions_portability.asp that demonstrates how to calculate your PORT whether upsizing or downsizing. CALCULATING PORT

MOVING TO A MORE VALUABLE HOME - UP SIZING MOVING TO A LESS VALUABLE HOME - DOWN SIZING 12200 SW 68 COURT | PINECREST PREVIOUS HOME NEW HOME PREVIOUS HOME NEW HOME OFFERED AT $1,198,000 MARKET VALUE $250,000 MARKET VALUE $400,000 MARKET VALUE $250,000 MARKET VALUE $200,000 Casual Elegance on Sprawling Lush Acre! Save our Home Save our Home Over $500K in Upgrades! 5BR, 4BA. Assessment Difference -$100,000 *PORT -$100,000 Assessment Difference -$100,000 *PORT -$80,000 ASSESSED VALUE $150,000 ASSESSED VALUE $300,000 ASSESSED VALUE $150,000 ASSESSED VALUE $120,000

* Step 1: Previous Save Our Homes DifferenceDIVIDED by Previous Market 100,000/250,000 = Cap Ratio 0.4 * Step 2: Cap Ratio MULTIPLIED by New Market Value 0.4 X 2000,000 = PORT 80,000 Portability benefits may be reduced if the benefit is split among multiple homestead owners and is limited to $500,000

8535 SW 100 AVENUE | MIAMI OFFERED AT $589,000

©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Paradise Found on this Half Acre GEM Located Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are Near Baptist Hospital! 3BR, 2BA & Resort-Style Pool. registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Exclusively Listed New to the Market by Michael Martinez

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Number One Realtor® in the Village of Pinecrest If you are considering listing your home, Best Real Estate Professionals | Individuals by Sales Volume in 2017, 2018 call us today.

#1 #1 HIGHEST#1 NEW Top Brokers of 2018 in Michael Martinez, GRI, CRS CONSTRUCTION MARKET SALES Miami Dade County VOLUME SALES SHARE VICE PRESIDENT | ESTATE AGENT – Single Family Home TOP PRODUCER FOR ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

P. 305.979.9367 TOP $84 W. MICHAELMARTINEZREALTOR.COM PRODUCER MILLION $48 MILLION E. [email protected] CIRCLE TOTAL FOR 6 YEARS PINECREST CLOSED CLOSED Best Real Estate Agents in Florida 2017, 2018 FOLLOW US: @ MICHAELMARTINEZREALTOR @ PINECRESTLUXURYGROUP A Pinecrest resident with 20 years of real estate experience, Michael Martinez is a distinguished industry leader in © 2020 ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s today’s South Florida real estate market whose focus is on ultra-luxury residential single-family properties. Michael’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. The information contained herein is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Pricing subject to change clientele looks to him for consistent, high-quality service when buying and selling. without notice. All data reflects 2019 number as per MLX February 2020.

4 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM Exclusively Listed New to the Market by Michael Martinez

Number One Realtor® in the Village of Pinecrest If you are considering listing your home, Best Real Estate Professionals | Individuals by Sales Volume in 2017, 2018 call us today.

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES 40 THE BALL IS IN HER COURT THE TENNIS FUTURE COULDN’T BE BRIGHTER FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SENSATION COCO GAUFF. 46 ORANGE BLOSSOMS ELLEN LATHAM, CREATOR OF ORANGETHEORY FITNESS, SHARES HER ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY.

ALSO IN LIFESTYLE 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 AROUND TOWN 16 BLUE MISSIONS 18 BEST BETS/A&E 20 BAR TALK: ESOTICO MIAMI 22 GARDENING 24 THE LISTING 26 5 QUESTIONS: RAQUEL “ROCKY” EGUSQUIZA 28 CAMERA READY 34 BACK2EARTH COVER/TOC CREDITS : Coco Gauff 36 DINING: MIAMI BURGERS Cover & TOC Location: Delray Beach Tennis Center 50 TRAVEL: GRAND VELAS IN MEXICO Photography: James Woodley

6 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM HAZEL GOLDMAN 305-665-7383 [email protected]

EVAN GOLDMAN 305-607-8880 [email protected] $50 MILLION SOLD IN 2019!

BIG PRICE REDUCTION! PENDING SALE!

HAMMOCK OAKS MASTERPIECE W/ BOAT DOCK! EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY NE PINECREST! N. PINECREST CASUAL ELEGANCE & CHARM! 414 Rovino Avenue $2,999,000 Undisclosed Address $2,499,000 11030 SW 60 Avenue $1,695,000 Completely Renovated in 2015 by Hollub Homes 8/7/P/2-Car Over 8690 sqft Large Updated 5/4/2-Car/P w/4500+ Sqft. Award-Winning Kitchen, Huge Upstairs Master Suite Big Windows, Tons of glass, Gorgeous Metal Roof, Marble Flrs. Private Cul-de-Sac, Huge Open Balconies, Fabulous Indoor/Outdoor Living Areas Impact Glass, Magniﬁcent Private Grounds, Tree House & More! Masterpiece on Gorgeous Deep Acre Lot Walk to Community Center

PRICE REDUCTION! SOLD! $760,000

PINECREST NEWER BUILT UNDER $1 MILLION! UPDATED AFFORDABLE PINECREST! HUGE PALMETTO BAY FAMILY HOME! 12825 SW 81 Avenue $969,000 7690 SW 133 Street $799,000 13945 SW 82 Avenue $799,000 Split Plan, Large Master Suite, High Ceilings Big 4/3.5 w/ possible 5th Bedroom Large Updated & Expanded in 2008-2009 Top-of-the-Line Gorgeous 2013 Kitchen Over 4500+ Sqft., Gated entry, Porcelain Flrs. Huge Family Room, Soaring Ceilings Private & Large Pool-Patio-Yard Area Impact Glass, Nice Large 22K+ Sqft Corner Lot. Large Master Suite + Oce, Pool w/Mango Trees 10-year old Tile Roof Lush Landscaping

NEW LISTING! PRICE REDUCTION!

STUNNING 5/3 IN MANGOWOOD! UPDATED PALMETTO BAY ON WONDERFUL STREET! 8281 SW 146 Street $789,000 8501 SW 180 Street $5999,900 Impact Glass, Split Plan, Soaring Ceilings Large Open 4/3/Pool/2-Car on 2013 Roof & AC, Open Kitchen, Large Pool-Patio, Kid-Friendly Street, Huge 2008 Master Suite, Quiet Street, Indoor Laundry, Great Schools! Saturnia Marble Floors, New State-of-the-Art Kitchen, 2019 & 2005 ACs

7 GOLDMANRESIDENTIAL.COM 305-665-7383 PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COMRE/MAX ADVANCE | REALTYMARCH 2020 Editor’sLetter She’s All That oco Gauff’s father always told her Cthat she could change the world with her racket. And, now, here she was, making good on that prophecy yet again, playing to a captive audience in the Bahamas. The teen phenom, on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in women’s tennis, had traveled to Nassau last November for a charity tournament

PHOTO BY JAMES WOODLEY that raised money for families still reeling in the 800.611.6631 aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. But it was an episode separate from the main event where Coco made an even more lasting impression, hitting balls with and imparting nuggets of early wisdom to dozens of local children, who reveled in the chance to stand on the same court as their hero. “Even when I was young, I felt like I wanted to be more than just a tennis player,” says the Delray Beach resident. “I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can help to change at least a little part of the world.” It’s insights like these—from the thoughtful mind of someone who turns 16 this month—that ultimately may distinguish Coco as much as her prodigious talent and sky’s-the-limit future as SELL YOUR a tennis player. Though still two years away from being able to legally vote, she possesses remarkable self-awareness and big- picture sensibilities about the world around her. BUSINESS IN Coco picks her spots to educate and spread the word about everything from black history and climate change to the mental health issues that plague her generation. During her exclusive interview with Lifestyle, she notes that the rates for teen suicide 2020 and depression have gone up for her age group. “It’s not all because of social media [bullying and negativity], but that plays a IN CLOSED DEALS SINCE big part,” Coco says. “We have to break that.” 2006 FOR SOUTH FLORIDA She also understands that playing professional tennis comes #1 with responsibilities—especially when so many youngsters look Over 600+ businesses sold since 1999 up to you, the same way that she looked up to her heroes, Serena and Venus Williams. 150 million in business sales “As early as [age] 7, I felt that I was working toward something,” Coco says. “Tennis gives me a platform, and people pay attention to it. I appreciate that. 954-646-7651 “Hopefully, I can use that to do good things.” [email protected] She already is. flabiz4sale.com Enjoy the March issue. 10620 GRIFFIN ROAD, B105 COOPER CITY, FL 33328

Kevin Kaminski, Group Editor kkaminski@lmgﬂ .com

8 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM

PRESIDENT Jeffrey Dinetz PUBLISHER Michelle Simon GROUP EDITOR Kevin Kaminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melanie Geronemus Smit

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Keren Moros COPY EDITOR Jason Davis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Harvey Bernstein, Clarissa Buch, Kevin Gale

ART DIRECTORS Alexander Hernandez, Frank Papandrea, Evelyn Suarez

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER James Woodley

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Lori Castle / Las Olas

ADVERTISING MARKET MANAGERS Georgette Evans, Carla Ferreyros, Dina Friedman, Shari Glatter, Debby Gold, Stephanie Jimenez, Donna Mairs, Jose Navarro, Beth Taché

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Cheryl Snyder MARKET MANAGER/SALES SUPPORT Steve Lederman

LIFESTYLE MEDIA GROUP CHAIRMAN Gary Press MARKETING MANAGER Olivia Bibbee OPERATIONS MANAGER Monica St. Omer

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10 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM CRUISING AT ITS MOST EXCLUSIVE: OCEAN CAY

Slip into relaxed bliss on MSC Cruises’ exclusive private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with 8 stunning beaches. Enjoy activities from paddleboard yoga and kayaking to a thrilling ride on a WaveRunner. On Ocean Cay, the evening is yours to enjoy thanks to our late-night stays: Take in a spectacular sunset, enjoy a beach picnic with a crackling fire, then dance to the beat of the Bahamian Junkanoo parade. As a grand finale to your day on Ocean Cay, witness a breathtaking lighthouse light show.

Call 844-301-5033 Visit msccruises.com Contact your Travel Advisor

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 11 12 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM Around News from Pinecrest, Coral Gables & beyond town

Seeing is Believing Now open on Lincoln Road, the Museum of such as Barbie, Indiana Jones, Mortal Kombat and Illusions transports visitors to other worlds more. For an additional fee, visitors can capture through Instagrammable and interactive 3D the fun with professional photographers and murals. purchase edited photos. The third U.S. location includes more than 40 Museum of Illusions is located at 536 Lincoln exhibits on two ﬂ oors, featuring murals inspired Road, Miami Beach, and is open daily. Visit by cartoons, pop culture, movies, nature and miaillusions.com. Miami culture and including characters and scenes

1 PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 13 AroundTown A Walk in the Gardens The Villagers presents A 20/20 Vision of Tropical Splendor, its annual garden tour fundraiser. Visitors drive their vehicles between fi ve 4properties in the greater Pinecrest and Coral Gables area where members of The Villagers will give details about the sites’ fl ora and fauna. The tour includes complimentary refreshments and shopping at a gift boutique. Tour is March 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets are $35 online and $40 day of at 8525 SW 96th St. or at Pinecrest Gardens (11000 Red Road). Funds benefi t The Villagers’ mission of historic preservation. Visit 2 thevillagersinc.org. Entertainers include U2 tribute band DECKED IN GREEN Wide Awake, St. Andrews Pipe and Ireland comes to Coral Gables at the Drum Band and dancers from the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day Breffni Academy of Dance. Festival featuring entertainment, Festival is March 14, noon-6 p.m. crafts, and plenty of Irish food at Ponce Circle Park (2800 Ponce and drink. Children can enjoy a de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables). giant slide, rock climbing wall, Admission is free. Call 305.596.9995. merry-go-round and bounce house.

GET AROUND

include Metrobus and Metrorail, Bolt e-scooters, Citi Bike bike sharing and more. Since it’s soft launch in August, more than 5,000 users have been rewarded thousands of Metrorail and Metrobus rides. Miami-Dade County recently The partnership comes as a 3introduced a new incentive result of the Fastrack Institute for commuters through a from the mayor of Miami- partnership with Velocia, Dade, the Knight Foundation, a mobility app that rewards Miami Dade Express multimodal transit use in Authority and the Codina cities. Family, which sought to solve Through Velocia, users can trafﬁ c problems through receive “Velos,” and redeem partnerships. Patricia Hurtado de Mendoza, emcee; them within the Velocia Visit velocia.io to learn more Eldredge Bermingham,Velocia head of strategic mobility ecosystem to receive about the free app available partnerships; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos discounts on transportation for iPhones and Android A. Gimenez; and Velocia CEO David Winterstein at Velocia’s Miami launch services. Current partners devices.

14 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM DESIGN OF THE TIMES FIND its inﬂ uence in American history, which is worth $225,000. Other activities include YOUR Event is March 13-15. Tickets crafts and resources WAY for full access are $75 and include from the Miami-Dade VIP preview, lunch and cocktail Public Library System receptions. Single-day admission is and the “Only in MIA” $15 for nonmembers. HistoryMiami Food and Wine Pairing The5 spring edition of is located at 101 W. Flagler St., Adventure featuring a the celebrated Miami Miami. Visit historymiami.org. ﬁ ve-course menu from HistoryMiami Museum hosts the Home Design and 6 Latin Café 2000. Visitors 27th annual Miami Remodeling Show, will also hear from this International Map recognized as a premier year’s headliner, interior Fair, where more than home improvement designer Alena Capra, host 35 leading national and show for more than 40 of the weekly design show international map dealers years, offers thousands SoFlo Home Project, who display and retail original of visitors a look at the will present on today’s antique maps, charts, latest in home design design trends and home town plans and atlases. At with notable designers, renovation. what’s billed as the longest a host of remodeling The show runs March continuously running map companies. This edition 27-29 at Mana Wynwood fair in the world, visitors features vignettes from TV Convention Center (318 will see maps dating personality Julia Alzate, NW 23rd St., Miami). from the 16th century to Studio Nova Interiors Tickets are $10 for adults present day and listen to founder Roberta Marcelin, ($7 through March 26) lectures. The highlight is Miami Living Co. co- and $1 for children 11 and John Mitchell’s map of owner Ann Ueno and under. Call 305.667.9299 or North America, issued Cartel Crew cast member homeshows.net. in 1755 and known for Michael Zavala.

MALL OPENINGS Two local malls celebrate new openings. Versona will open at The Falls near Macy’s. The 4,340-square- foot women’s fashion boutique offers clothing, gifts and accessories. Near its center court and dining pavilion, Dadeland Mall recently had the opening of Hope & Henry, a children’s apparel store with clothing made with organic cotton. Other recent Dadeland openings include Bloomed, a med spa offering nonsurgical beauty services and laser hair removal; Garota, with fashion trends curated by fashion blogger and entrepreneur Carolina Silva; and 7Ximivogue, selling Korean-inspired household goods, clothing, jewelry, Versona toys and more.

COLD include macaron ice cream COMFORTS sandwiches and ice cream Get ready cupcakes—cake blended for delicious with ice cream and topped brain freeze with a sauce, sprinkles and at Frohzen, a cherry—in ﬂ avors such as 8the new ice cream shop from birthday cake, red velvet and pastry chef Salvatore Martone. tres leches. Frohzen offers around Frohzen is located at Miami 10 ﬂ avors of ice cream Design District’s Paradise and sorbet—including tres Plaza at 151 NE 41st St., Suite leches and mango/passion 137. Visit frohzen-miami.com. fruit—and a toppings bar with housemade crumbles and sauces. Signature treats PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 15 let Hope flow A South Miami nonprofit gives life-sustaining water to the thirsty

BY CLARISSA BUCH

lean water and proper sanitation are among conditions were very difﬁ cult, but once I began to the most basic rights, but for many, they’re see the impact, it sparked an instant passion for me. I Cunattainable. Approximately 663 million people returned two years in a row, which was the max. As a around the world use unsafe drinking water and 2.4 hobby program, they needed space for new volunteers. billion people lack access to basic toilets and good But then that left me wondering what else I could do to hygiene practices, according to UNICEF. In fact, more help.” people die every year from drinking dirty water than all When Rodriguez created Blue Missions in 2010, he forms of violent crimes combined. never intended it to become his career. After a few Water is a necessity for communities everywhere, years of running the organization part-time, he took and without it, families struggle to meet the most a leap and hired a few of his friends, setting up an fundamental needs. Many walk hours to collect it, and often, the water they ﬁ nd is not safe to drink. That’s where South Miami-based Blue Missions comes in. “I’m passionate about clean water and sanitation, and I feel everyone deserves them,” founder Danny Rodriguez says. “I’m just as passionate about the volunteer experience and getting people out of their comfort zones to help others.” What started as a hobby in 2010 has grown into an international organization. Blue Missions connects families with access to clean water and sanitation while inspiring volunteers to make a difference. With more than 130 completed projects, it has affected more lives than Rodriguez ever expected––around 30,000 to be exact. “When I was a teenager, my dad actually forced me to go on a mission trip with him,” Rodriguez says. “I went reluctantly to the Dominican Republic and worked on a water system for a community of 60 families. The

16 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM and Colombia, building more than 500 bathrooms for families and providing thousands with access to clean water through gravity-driven aqueducts, in which gravity pushes clean water down a pipe system to every home in a community. “The impact of clean water is unbelievable,” he says. “First off, families don’t have to fetch it with buckets and children don’t have to miss school. Water is the foundation of everything. You truly can’t progress if you don’t have water. Whether you pave roads or open community centers, you need water for everything.” By building gravity-driven aqueducts in rural communities, Blue Missions aims to break the poverty trap while bringing empowerment, health and opportunity to locals. “There are various systematic issues that need to be worked on,” Rodriguez says. “One of the most striking is access to Wi-Fi, but no access to clean water. Water infrastructure is a difﬁ cult thing, and it’s not something we can solve ourselves. We have to empower people to realize the importance of this problem. Most people have someone affected by, say, cancer, but with the water crisis, we’ve been born into a world where it’s not an issue. ofﬁ ce in the third bedroom of his home. A 10-foot-by- “With Blue Missions, our job is to be storytellers, 10-foot room housed four desks for Rodriguez and his to show who has been impacted by this crisis, and team. Since, they have taken over 2,500 volunteers on motivate others to get involved.” service trips across the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua Learn more at bluemissions.org.

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 17 Best BETS

Cher The entertainment icon has won an Oscar, Grammy and Emmy, and recently became a Kennedy Center honoree. This year, she adds more dates to her successful “Here We Go Again” tour, which started in 2018. The tour follows the wave of success that accompanied her appearance in the 2018 ﬁ lm Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and her subsequent album of Abba covers. Nile Rodgers and Chic join as guests during the tour. When: March 24, 7:30 p.m. Diana Ross Where: AmericanAirlines Arena Often called the Queen of Motown, the legendary singer stops in Tickets: Starting at $59 Miami ahead of her 76th birthday to sing the hits that have resounded Info: aaarena.com with fans all over the world, such as “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” This stop (and others) on her “Top of the World” tour serves as a warmup for the crowds that will watch her perform at this summer’s world-famous Glastonbury Festival. When: March 12, 8 p.m. & March 13, 8:30 p.m. Where: The Fillmore Miami Beach Tickets: Starting at $51 Info: ﬁ llmoremb.com

Her photos cover a variety of Embracing the Lens: themes such as beauty, aging The Wildlife Art of Peter R. Gerbert The exhibit marks the ﬁ rst museum retrospective of the Florida artist The BlackFlorida and entrepreneurship while who has been painting realistic portrayals of Florida’s animals and Project showcasing the resilience of birds since 1993. Created with layers of acrylic paint, Gerbert’s work In this exhibit curated by those who live in both urban and has been recognized by the Florida Wildlife Federation and featured historian Jeffreen M. Hayes, nonurban areas. in nature magazines. the work of documentary When: March 20-Oct. 11 When: March 27-July 19 photographer Johanne Rahaman Where: HistoryMiami Museum Where: Coral Gables Museum gives a glimpse into black Tickets: $10 adults; $8 students Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors communities across Florida. Info: historymiami.org Info: coralgablesmuseum.org

18 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM other A&e TWO ICONIC INTERNATIONAL highlights DESTINATIONS AT ONE LOCATION & ▲ ASIAN CULTURE FESTIVAL LAS OLAS BLVD The 30th annual festival features music and dancing entertainment along with Asian crafts, art and food. When: March 7-8 Where: Fruit & Spice Park Tickets: $14 Info: redlandfruitandspice.com

▲ MENUDO: SUBETE A MI MOTO Members of one of the world’s most recognized boy bands— 818 E. LAS OLAS BLVD. René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada and Ray Reyes—make audiences nostalgic with more than 20 of Purchase: their hits. • Off the rack When: March 14, 8 p.m. • Special Orders Where: James L. Knight Center • Custom made Tickets: Starting at $59 to measurement, Info: jlkc.com any style, color. ▲ CAMELOT The musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe tells the Sizes: 2 to 36 story of the love triangle between King Arthur, Guinevere and Sir Priced: $595 to $7,500 Lancelot. This new version focuses only on the main characters, lending new dynamics to favorite songs such as “If Ever I Would Leave You.” When: March 18-April 12 Where: Actors’ Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre Info: actorsplayhouse.org

▲ A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC The Stephen Sondheim musical explores the themes of class and ﬁ delity through the story of Desirée Armfeldt and her life. When: March 19-April 12 Where: Adrienne Arsht Center Tickets: $55 816 E. LAS OLAS BLVD. Info: arshtcenter.org ▲ 50% - 80% OFF THE PRICE Suggested retail of Two brothers who took different paths after their father lost it all 100’s of in the Great Depression reunite 30 years later to sell their estate mother of gowns, in this Arthur Miller play. bridal gowns and When: March 21-April 19 cocktail garments. Where: GableStage at The Biltmore Info: gablestage.org Sizes: 00 to 26 ▲ CHOIR OF MAN Creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a friendly pub, the group Priced: $149 to $895 use tap dancing and stomping to create danceable covers of hits by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avicii, Adele and more. When: March 22, 7 p.m. 816 - 818 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Where: South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center 954-462-3222 Tickets: $37.50-$60; $75 VIP Info: smdcac.org ZolaKeller.com

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 19 BarTalk The Tiki Room THE COCKTAILS AT A NEW TIKI RESTAURANT TRANSPORT DINERS TO PARADISE hat makes for the perfect cocktail? WFragrance, fl avor and a sparkle of good mood, says Daniele Dalla Pola, who leads the bar at Esotico Miami, the highly anticipated tiki- inspired restaurant and lounge by Miami’s Graspa Group. Located in the Arts & Entertainment District downtown, Esotico (1600 NE First Ave., Suite 102) offers an eclectic mix of exotic bites and creative drinks inside a neon-splashed tropical space, catering to both locals and tourists with a menu highlighting Pola’s award-winning cocktails paired with Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Roberto Dubois, also known as “Chef Koa” (his Hawaiian name), offers “tropical chow” dishes such as black truffl e dumplings with pork and shrimp; a smoky octopus hot dog served with mezcal cucumber relish and spicy sriracha mayo atop a brioche bun; and the “kimoko” fi sh cake, a Floridian fi sh cake served with spicy mango chutney. Poke and Buddha bowls are available as well with ingredients such as tuna and salmon and a vegan option made with watermelon. Pola, considered among the world’s best tropical mixologists, offers various international- infl uenced drinks, drawing upon his experiences traveling the world in pursuit of cocktail-making. He’s mixed drinks in Miami, Singapore, Italy and South Africa, earning recognition along the way, including from the annual “Tales of the Cocktail” event in New Orleans. Each of his cocktails are connected to a moment in tiki-cocktail history. Offerings range from signature drinks poured inside limited-edition mugs, to large social cocktails for sharing, and sections dedicated to negronis, rum fl ights, and gin and tonics. Other creations at Esotico include the triple rum-based Zombie, which is made the authentic way using the original recipe created in 1930 by Don the Beachcomber; and Tangaroa’s Butt, named after the mythological god of the sea, made with mezcal and rum. Pola’s Nu Mai Tai, made with three types of rum, orange liqueur, passion fruit, and a secret ingredient, is among the bestsellers. “Some say the marvelous, magical mai tai was invented in the 1930s by Don the Beachcomber,” Pola says. “Others say it was invented in the 1940s by Trader Vic. Both are heroes in my book. My version of the mai tai is a tribute and a ‘thank you’ to these two tiki cocktail trailblazers.” -—CLARISSA BUCH

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20-HRL-00753 - Lifestyle FP Ad_8-375x10-875.indd 1 1/23/2020 3:31:37 PM Gardening About Tomatoes

BY HARVEY BERNSTEIN or a nondescript vine that bears pea-sized fruit, the tomato has become one of the most popular Fvegetable crops in the world. Wild tomatoes were grown and consumed in Western South America at least 2,500 years ago. The plants traveled north during migrations of Nahuatl-speaking people to Mexico and Central America, where the tomato was fully domesticated and a great diversity of varieties developed. In fact, the name “tomato” comes from the Nahuatl name for the plant. The Spanish spread the domesticated plant to their colonies in South America, the Caribbean and Asia. Tomatoes reached Europe by the mid-1500s. At fi rst, they were usually grown as garden ornamentals, rather than for food. Tomatoes probably came to the current United States and Canada via the Caribbean. Due to the warm climate, long growing seasons, and trade connections, the Southeast became a favored area for cultivation. Tomato varieties can be sorted into several distinctive types, ranging in size from large beefsteaks to small cherries. Some varieties are drier-fl eshed and best used for cooking; some are fi ne-fl avored but delicate. Tomatoes also occur in various colors besides the ubiquitous red. There are yellow, purple, almost black, pink, white, and beautiful striped and streaked selections. Heirloom varieties grow well in their places of origin. Selected in the past by local farmers to have a particular set of characteristics, they showcase the genetic diversity and adaptability of the species. The creation of modern varieties involves focused genetic choices, often resulting in unwanted traits that are linked to the desirable ones. For example, it’s true that many modern commercial tomato varieties lack fl avor. This quality is an unavoidable byproduct of breeding to produce thicker, more durable skins and fl esh and uniform red color for storage and display. Plant breeders attempt to utilize the genes of wild tomato species and their close relatives to enhance tomato fl avor, nutritional value and disease resistance. To successfully grow tomatoes, it’s useful to observe plants that have escaped cultivation and reverted to semi-wild types in places like coastal Southern California. These small tomatoes (think cherry type) grow on vines, not bushes. The vigorous plants develop rapidly during a season of warm days and cooler nights. Rainfall is not abundant, but suffi cient to encourage growth. Humidity is generally low, which discourages fungal disease. Increasingly hot and longer days stimulate quick ripening and numerous fruit, then the plants die. In California, these conditions occur in early summer. Here in South Florida, late winter and spring is the best time. Plant tomatoes developed for our area in November or December to enjoy the harvest in February or March. Once sustained heat and intense humidity arrive, it’s game over until next fall. Harvey Bernstein is the horticulturist at Pinecrest Gardens. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO PRICE

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Shaded Paradise A gated villa in the Grove offers privacy amid a lush natural backdrop Where: 3930 Crawford Ave., Coconut Grove Floor size: 3,554 square feet Bedrooms/baths: 5 bedrooms/4 bathrooms Details: Behind a gated and walled entrance, this elegant three-story courtyard villa welcomes guests with Spanish cedar arch double doors. The private grounds are always steps away through French doors in the fi rst-fl oor guest bedroom, and in the family and dining rooms, which are accented by Travertine stone and oak wood fl oors. Home comforts on the second fl oor include a master bedroom with en-suite bathrooms and Romeo & Juliet balcony; and a studio apartment with a new bathroom and kitchenette, and a separate outdoor staircase entrance. A covered patio, landscaped backyard and lap pool are visible from several points in the home, which is topped to perfection with a statetly third-fl oor tower suite, a perfect space for an offi ce or den. Listing price: $1,799,000 Agent/contact: Jennifer Price, BHHS EWM Realty, 305.389.1977, [email protected] PHOTOS BY NATALIA CAICEDO PHOTOS BY NATALIA

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Nicklaus-1787 Lifestyle Coral Gables/Pinecrest - Full Page - March_FINAL.indd 1 2/4/20 3:46 PM FiveQuestions

RAQUEL “ROCKY” EGUSQUIZA Executive director, Marlins Foundation

BY CLARISSA BUCH / PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIAMI MARLINS

aquel “Rocky” Egusquiza’s 2-year-old son loves to play baseball, Ras evidenced by the batting tee off of which he practices. It helps that his mother, named executive director of the Marlins Foundation in 2019, has experience with the sport. She might not have grown up playing, but she did spend hours listening to games on the radio with her late grandfather, Clemente Hernández. “When my grandfather would scream at the radio, I would scream back,” Egusquiza says, laughing. “As I got older, I had opportunities to take him to baseball games. Now, I can do that with my son. Every time I look at him with his tee, I think of my grandfather and how I enjoyed those times with him.” Though baseball has been a part of Egusquiza’s life for as long as she can remember, she never thought she would head up the people we have impacted or are impacting means the world. And foundation, which seeks to impact young people through a variety again, it comes full circle. I was a young person going to school in of initiatives—scholarships, food distribution and youth baseball Miami-Dade County and I had mentors in my life that still stick out programs, among them. Growing up in Miami to Cuban-born to me. They taught me things that were essential for me to move parents, Egusquiza understood the importance of paying it forward forward. Now, to do that myself is extremely moving. and the role it can play in a community. Is there a story about someone the foundation has “My parents taught me the value of education and hard work,” affected that has really stuck with you? she says. “As a child growing up in an immigrant household, seeing 2Truly, there have been so many. What always impacts me is when their courage, confi dence and ability to take on any obstacle, that we are working with a food distribution service, and a family was the cornerstone of my development. My mother was the fi rst in approaches me to say, “Thank you.” When someone tells you they our family to attend college and later become a teacher. She chose wouldn’t have had food on their table, but because of your help, to serve in underserved communities, helping those who are less they did, that’s an unbeatable feeling. During the holidays, we fed fortunate. We were fortunate that we had folks give us a hand, too. more than 1,000 families. Some of them started to line up early in That all played a part in where I am today.” the morning, telling us that this need very much still exists. Egusquiza was successful in myriad positions, from media to nonprofi t, before beginning her role with the Marlins. Her Now that you can watch the games in person, what’s a professional background includes roles at NBCUniversal memorable Marlins game you saw? Telemundo Enterprises, AARP, Ford Motor Company Fund 3I started [her job] during the fi rst week of the season, so the and AT&T, among others. She also has served on the board of Opening Day game last year was one of my favorites. It was my the Smithsonian Latino Center and the Kennedy Center Latino fi rst game as an employee, but also my fi rst game for my son. It Advisory Committee. was just incredible to see his excitement, and I’ll never forget “When I look back at my journey, all of the different stops along sharing that experience with him. As a mother with such a young the way have helped me prepare for where I am now,” she says. child, working with the Marlins Foundation and being surrounded “All of the roles have the aspect of giving back to the community by baseball has become a special part of my relationship with and the value of community engagement. My main goal is to him. It’s something we can share together. I guess you can say I’m always make sure I’m empowering the community in some way. fi nally the “cool mom.” Now, to have the ability to work in my hometown and make an impact with our youth—well, that’s an honor.” What does it mean to you to serve in a position that impacts 4the lives of so many people? What does working for an organization like the Marlins I love spending time with kids and trying to mentor them. For me, Foundation mean to you? having the opportunity to combine many of my passions––including 1When you know you’re making an impact, especially in your own love for my local community, baseball and making a difference––is community, that feeling is unmatched. Helping our youth while all I need to keep me moving forward. Sometimes you’re making also providing character development is an honor, and meeting the a difference or an impact, and you don’t even realize it. It’s those

26 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM little moments that stick with us. I’m grateful to have had time, so you may have to prioritize areas in your life at mentors who helped me, and I’m grateful to think that I different times in your life. serve the same purpose for others. I don’t have words to • In the long run, you will never regret the boundaries describe what it feels like. Incredible, rewarding, grateful. you set for your family, and your colleagues will respect you for it.

What’s some of the advice that past mentors have given you that you still use today? 5I was fortunate to have a series of both formal and informal mentors in my professional and personal life that made an impact on my career and life choices. In my personal life, my mom was my fi rst mentor and the fi rst college graduate in the United States from our family. As a Cuban immigrant, she taught me education is equal to freedom, the value of lifelong learning no matter how successful you are, and the importance of adapting to change to continue to grow in life. In my career, I have had a number of mentors within the different corporations and nonprofi ts that I have worked at, and advice they shared that I still rely on includes: • Be authentic. Never forget where you came from. • Be confi dent. • It is OK to ask questions. • Do not let fear limit you from seizing an opportunity. Take the risk and learn on the job. Egusquiza presents a championship trophy to the 2019 Marlins RBI • Take the time to help others along the way. Softball League Champions during an on-fi eld ceremony before a game. • You can have it all, but maybe not all at the same

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Julius Thomas and Nat Moore

Jill Bergenfreid, Dasic Fernandez and Sen2 Figueroa WYNWOOD WALLS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS Where: Wynwood Walls What: Wynwood Walls, the famed epicenter of the Wynwood Arts District, celebrated its 10-year Katherine Batista and Eric Milon anniversary with a dinner and after-party. World-renowned artists in attendance included Shepard Fairey, Tristan Eaton, Hebru Brantley, Vhils, Okuda, Ron English, Cryptik, PixelPancho, PichiAvo, Queen Andrea, Dasic Fernandez, Abstrk, Case Maclaim and RISK. This year’s artist lineup featured Buff Monster, Dan Kitchener, Ernesto Maranje, Kenny Scharf, Futura, FAILE, Martha Cooper, Michael Vasquez, Mina Hamada, Dasic Fernandez, Kelsey Montague and Shepard Fairey and Okuda San Miguel TATS Cru. Photos by World Red Eye Kelsey Nagelmann, Beau Stanton and Sandra Powell

Paul Holbrook, Ron English and MD Young Joey Goldman, Janet Goldman and Jessica Goldman Srebnick

28 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 29 CameraReady LUNA PARK VIP GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Where: Brickell City Centre What: Luna Park grand opening Brickell City Centre recently welcomed a new food hall of contemporary Italian cuisine named Luna Park. At the cirque-themed soiree, VIPs celebrated the opening with bites from Luna Park’s four new concepts—Antica Pizzeria, Macellaio RC, Puro’s and N.0 Osteria—paired with Ferrari Brut, Campari cocktails and Antinori wines. Entertainment was provided by a number of circus characters (like contortionists and women on stilts) inspired by Federico Fellini ﬁ lms. Photos by World Red Eye

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For information on access for people with disabilities, please call 305.755.7848PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM or email [email protected] | MARCH 2020 31 CameraReady S BY SERENA POP- UP PARTY Where: Faena Bazaar What: Tennis star Serena Williams celebrated her brand S by Serena with the second annual Art Basel pop-up party with guests Douglas Friedman, Chris Lyons, Alina Shriver and others. Host Beefeater Pink provided drinks such as Beefeater Pink Strawberry Lemonades and Pink Mimosas. Guests also enjoyed a custom candy and cocktail bar while shopping from S By Serena’s latest collection. The event was followed by a karaoke after-party at Casa Tua. Photos by Sansho Scott/ BFA.com

Pablo Montesi and Carlo Fabregaos Peter Vlasov, Serena Williams and Pippa Vlasov

Danielle Licata, Serena Williams and Jeffrey Lasota

Douglas Friedman and Tierney Gearon Jessica Campbell and René Daniella Tina Brown and Serena Wiliams

32 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM DOCK. DRINK. DINE.

3033 NE 32ND AVENUE | FORT LAUDERDALE | 954.566.2855 | SHOOTERSWATERFRONT.COM PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 33 Emma Angeletti teaching children to compost Down to Earth South Miami siblings spread their passion for the environment throughout the county

BY CLARISSA BUCH

bout 175,000 pounds of become active instead of reactive in Collecting food waste—including food waste are thrown into terms of the environment.” items like eggshells, coffee grounds, Alandﬁ lls every day in the The Miami Palmetto Senior High and fruit rinds—produces compost, United States, creating methane alumna, along with her siblings— an all-natural, nutrient-rich soil gas and fueling climate change. back2earth’s co-founder Ugo, 19; amendment with numerous beneﬁ ts Since 2017, however, nearly 20,000 Anna, 15, who serves as community for gardens and green spaces. In pounds have been diverted into manager; and Mila, 13, back2earth’s fact, compost introduces billions of compost because of efforts led resident compost expert—searched microbes to soil, making fruits and by the Angeletti family and their for their own approach to saving vegetables grow stronger and faster, South Miami-based charitable the environment. That’s when they taste better, and even look better–– organization, back2earth. discovered composting. all without the use of chemical “Why wait around until someone “There are so many fertilizers. makes a change?” says 18-year-old misconceptions when it comes to Composting reduces water Emma Angeletti, co-founder and composting,” Emma says. “But consumption as well, as compost head of research of back2earth. “My when you look at the facts, it’s a in soil retains water, resulting in siblings and I felt an obligation to beautiful solution.” less runoff and less water needed

34 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM for green spaces. It even absorbs carbon dioxide Beyond back2earth, Emma is on a pre-medical and methane gas from the atmosphere, reducing education track at the University of Florida, while her greenhouse gases. brother Ugo studies at Florida International University. Currently, back2earth offers three drop-off compost Their two younger sisters are in middle and high school stations in Coconut Grove, South Miami and Wynwood, in South Miami. The siblings communicate via Skype which collect food waste from homes across Miami- almost every day, discussing ways to expand back2earth Dade County. The siblings expect to launch additional across the country. stations in Key Biscayne and Pinecrest, as well as “I have two passions: the environment and medicine,” expand the project to Texas and Philadelphia through Emma says. “I’m trying to stay open and positive about local outreach programs. balancing them both. It may be idealistic, but my Though back2earth is mainly focused on South passion for the environment is strong enough that I Florida composting, the two-year-old operation has don’t think I’ll ever lose my touch with it. already earned national attention. This past May, Ugo “In addition to opening as many compost drop-off and Emma won General Mills’ 2019 Feeding Better stations as we can,” she adds, “my siblings and I are Future Scholars Program, awarding back2earth acutely focused on making back2earth self-sufﬁ cient as $50,000. A few months later, in September, Emma won well as continuing our education efforts where we teach the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes and its award students at local schools what composting is and how to of $10,000. do it. By the time I get to med school, hopefully we’ve “It feels unreal to get recognized for our work,” reached that goal.” Emma says. “We never thought four kids from South Miami would get to a place like this. To us, it’s just an obligation to help the environment.”

Emma Angeletti

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 35 YOT BAR & KITCHEN 2015 SW 20th St., Fort Lauderdale CHEF: Gregory Schesser DESCRIPTION: The YOT Double Stacked Burger is made with a slow-cooked house blend beef, topped with iceberg lettuce, sharp cheddar, toma- to, onion, pickles and Fancy Sauce. It’s topped off with a buttery brioche bun and a side of fries.

Gourmet

SOUTH FLORIDA CHEFS HAVE ELEVATAEDBurgers THE TRADITIONAL HAMBURGER PATTY FROM CULINARY AFTERTHOUGHT 10TO MEAT-LOVER’S PARADISE THANKS TO CREATIVE APPROACHES AND SURPRISING INGREDIENTS

Cracked Eatery by Chef Adrianne 7400 SW 57th Court, Suite 101, South Miami Chef: Adrianne Calvo Description: The Royale with Cheese is Chef Adrianne’s take on the classic Big Mac with her signature “Maximum Flavor” style. It features two juicy, grass-fed patties, American cheese, housemade pickles, shaved lettuce, and a sesame brioche bun with Chef Adrianne’s Maximum Flavor special sauce.

36 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM Shula Burger Good Spirits Fifth & Fed 12311 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY, PINECREST 476 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale Description: Chef: Jonathan Jimenez It doesn’t get more classic Americana than The Don, the Description: sandwich that is part hot dog and part hamburger and named after the The G.S. Burger is made with premium beef topped with NFL’s winningest coach, Don Shula. mountains of blue cheese, gooey white cheddar, the GS secret house sauce, lettuce and tomato on a freshly baked potato roll.

Bird & Bone PHOTO BY RUBEN CABRERA at The Confidante Miami Beach Ember 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Chef: Richard Hales 151 NE 41st St., Suite 117, Miami Description: Chef: The Gussied Up Triple Burger combines stacked and Brad Kilgore smothered triple brisket and short-rib beef patties, butter-poached Description: The All American Classic Burger comes with two patties, lobster, fried green tomato slices, house-made peppered bacon, shaved onions, special sauce, American cheese, and crispy fries on the key lime mustard sauce, and a vibrant orange marmalade. Instead side. If you really want to go full throttle on the indulgence, make sure to of using a traditional slice of cheese, Hales covers this burger with ask for bacon. fondue made with raclette cheese.

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 37 Three Wynwood Wolfgang’s Steakhouse 50 NW 24th St., Suite 101, Miami 315 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami Chef: Executive Chef Brian Vaughn Chef: Amiro Cruz Description: The Wagyu Beef Burger is a delicious layering of Wagyu Description: The Classic Burger is topped with cheese, tomato, pickles, beef atop a sesame seed bun and is topped with garlic aioli and toma- onions and lettuce. Enjoy the burger with Wolfgang’s steak fries or tillo jam. onion rings.

Planta South Beach Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina 850 Commerce St., Miami Beach 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Chef: Chef de Cuisine Benjamin Goldman Chef: Executive Chef Ivan Acevedo Description: Miami Beach’s plant-based restaurant serves a DL Truffl e Description: Made with a blend of dry-aged steak, the Dry-Aged Burger, named after executive chef David Lee and made with ingre- Steak Burger features double-smoked bacon and lettuce, smoth- dients sourced from Planta’s rooftop garden. It’s topped with shaved ered in a creamy American cheese sauce and secret sauce for the truffl e and cashew truffl e nut cheese. perfect combination of creamy, tangy and juicy.

38 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM CREATES BEAUTIFUL SMILES

Richard C. Mariani Jr., D.D.S., M.S. was born and raised in Miami and has been in orthodontic private practice since 1985. His education includes a B.A., B.S. from University of Miami, a D.D.S. from Emory University and an M.S. from Georgetown University. Dr. Mariani is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He is also a team sports Dentist for the University of Miami Sports program and Coral Gables Senior High School. Past President of the Florida Association of Orthodontists. He treats both adults and children. Diamond Invisalign provider.

7615 SW 62nd Avenue, South Miami, Florida 33143 305.665.2402 • www.marianiorthodontics.com PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 39 THE BALL IS IN COURTHER AFTER A BREAKOUT 2019 THAT CAPTIVATED FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD, SOUTH FLORIDA TEENAGER COCO GAUFF IS POISED TO BECOME THE NEXT BIG THING IN WOMEN’S TENNIS

BY KEVIN KAMINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WOODLEY SHOT ON LOCATION AT DELRAY BEACH TENNIS CENTER

40 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 41 \

fter sharing stories grass courts of Wimbledon. Or that, about a year that in just one calendar year, the 5-foot- not only altered the 9 right-hander rose 618 spots in the trajectory of her life women’s professional rankings. And “[MY but might change the won more than $538,000 in prize narrativeA about her chosen sport for money. PARENTS] decades to come, the moment of truth That’s all part of it, of course. But has arrived for Cori Gauff. There’s a it’s also this: From all appearances, TAUGHT ME fi nal question on the table, one that Coco Gauff has game that extends speaks to a road less traveled and one beyond the court. It stands to reason THAT THERE’S incessantly traveled. that the best of that is still to come The young woman known around as well. ALWAYS the world by her nickname, Coco, is pondering it from a courtyard SOMEONE OUT seat just outside of the stadium at SETTING THERE TRYING Delray Beach Tennis Center. What’s THE STAGE more daunting? Playing a U.S. Open The fi rst sign that Coco isn’t TO BE WHERE match before a capacity crowd of your typical 15-year-old celebrity more than 23,000 people at Arthur athlete is when she sits down for YOU’RE AT— Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York? an interview without supervision. Or driving around South Florida on Candi and Corey not only stand in SOMEONE Interstate 95? the distance with Coco’s agent and Coco cracks a smile. representatives from New Balance TRYING TO “It depends on who’s in the car,” (which signed her in October 2018, says the Delray Beach resident. “I the year she started playing pro TAKE YOUR don’t like driving with my mom. She’s events), but the parents politely SPOT. SO, so hands-on. ‘Stay in your lane,’ and decline to be interviewed. According ‘Stop at the light.’ I’m like, ‘Yes, Mom. to Coco’s agent, it’s about regaining WORK HARD, I know to stop at a red light.’ My dad, some privacy after a whirlwind year on the other hand, is in the passenger and relentless media attention. REMAIN seat watching a movie on his phone. It’s also clear that Candi and Corey “So, if it’s with Dad, more nerve- have done their job, and done it well, HUMBLE AND wracking to be on center court. Mom? raising a daughter they not only trust More nerve-wracking to drive.” to handle herself during a magazine BE THANKFUL Though the I-95 question is meant interview, but who’s poised beyond as fun, it’s also a reminder that the her years. FOR player Sports Illustrated named as It helps that Mom and Dad, EVERYTHING its “Breakout Athlete for 2019” only both originally from Delray Beach, recently snagged her learner’s permit. understand what goes into being an THAT YOU It’s a year from that point, by Florida elite athlete. Both played Division law, before she can get her license— I sports in college—Candi was a EARN.” which means that Coco won’t be track-and-fi eld standout at Florida driving without Mom (Candi) or Dad State University between 1988- (Corey) until long after turning 16 on 1992, specializing in the heptathlon March 13. But if last year was a hint of (composed of seven events, including things to come, she may not have to the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, worry much about being behind the javelin throw and shot put); Corey wheel of a car. There will be people played guard for the Georgia State happy to do the driving for her. University basketball team in the That’s because last year changed early 1990s. everything in women’s tennis. And Though all the Gauff children not just because Coco won her fi rst love competition (Coco says her professional tournament last October younger brothers, Cameron and in Linz, Austria, at age 15. Or that, in Codey, complain that she goes “too defeat, she participated in a moment hard on them” no matter what sports that transcended sports at the U.S. they play), Candi and Corey realized Open. Or that her star fi rst exploded, early that their daughter possessed appropriately enough, during a Fourth off-the-charts athleticism. As the of July week run on the hallowed story goes—and it’s been told plenty

42 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM over the past seven months—tennis “chose” Coco by playing to her natural gifts, including a sprinter’s agility and uncanny hand-eye coordination. As early as age 7, while the family was still living in Atlanta, Coco took to the courts with a passion that recalled the origin stories of Venus and Serena Williams, whose journey to greatness gave the Gauffs a blueprint of sorts. That included a move back to the tennis town of Delray Beach in 2012, just as the Williams sisters did in 1991. But it was more than the sisters’ championship pedigree that inspired Coco as a youngster. “The reason I wanted to play tennis was because of Venus and Serena,” Coco says. “Just seeing black women in this sport meant so much to me. “Last year, I was playing a tournament in Charleston, South Carolina, and a little girl came up to me. She must have been like 5 or 6. And she said, ‘I wanted to play tennis because of you.’ More and more, girls are now saying that to me. I can’t tell you what that means.” The foundation that Mom and Dad provided included an emphasis on faith and family, another reason for the move to Delray; a baseball ﬁ eld at Pompey Park is named after Coco’s grandfather, Eddie Odom, who launched a youth baseball league in the early 1970s for African- American children. Just as important, as Coco began to dominate the junior tennis scene in South Florida, Corey and Candi reminded their daughter that nothing ever was going to be given to her. “They taught me that there’s always someone out there trying to be where you’re at—someone trying to take your spot,” Coco says. “So, work hard, remain humble and be thankful for everything that you earn.” A YEAR TO

ToREMEMBER put Coco’s 2019 into perspective, it helps to go back one year. In December 2018, she put an exclamation point on her junior tennis career, becoming the youngest player since 2003 to win the Orange Bowl girls’ 18s singles title. It capped a year during which she captured the French Open junior girls’ singles title and dropped only fi ve junior singles matches (against 31 victories). She also made her professional debut (and won her fi rst pro match) that May, at a small event in Osprey. She started the 2019 professional tennis year ranked No. 685 in the world, but little in the fi rst part of the season suggested what would come later. Coco entered July having dropped eight of 16 matches over a four-month span, including an opening-round qualifying loss in March at an off-the-grid tournament in Mexico. She pocketed $68 for that effort. Then came The Championships at Wimbledon. After three straight-set qualifying victories to make it into the main draw, Coco took down one of her idols—fi ve-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams—in the opening round. She reached the round of 16 before falling to Simona Halep, who went on to win the women’s title. By

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 43 Coco at last year’s U.S. Open

44 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM then, the All-England Club had a hard case of Coco fever— or hanging out someplace locally with tennis friends or and it seemed to be spreading. cousins. But she’s just as happy in her room catching up Among the people who tweeted about Coco that July on Netfl ix or, like most 15-year-olds, spending time on her was Michelle Obama. A few months later, the former phone. fi rst lady invited Coco and her family to meet with her in “Honestly, I’ve never been a social person,” she Washington, D.C. “It was the most nervous I’ve ever been says. “It’s not that I’m an introvert. But there are some meeting someone,” Coco admits. “Never in my life did I teenagers who have things lined up every day—movies think about meeting the former fi rst lady—or her even today, mall tomorrow. At max, I can handle two social knowing I exist.” things per week. Plus, I don’t have much free time.” Next came the U.S. Open, where, for the fi rst time, By the same token, Coco is well aware that, after last Coco arrived at a Grand Slam tournament shouldering year, parts of her life never will be the same. For starters, expectations. But from the minute she walked on the she’s recognized now—all over the world. court for her opening-round match, a thrilling three-set “I can kind of see it coming,” she says. “Someone will victory against Anastasia Potapova, the New York crowd glance at me, and they’ll keep looking back—and, then, embraced Coco with full-throated affection. fi nally they realize. And then they ask for a picture. And “I’ll never forget when they were chanting my name; then more people see that happening, and they’ll ask for a you just don’t see that much in tennis,” Coco says of her picture. It’s something I don’t take for granted. You never Open experience. “You see it with Rafael Nadal, he has know how that one picture might change someone’s day.” his chanters. Simona Halep has hers. And Juan Martín More than once, Coco talks about working hard and del Potro. Those might be the only three. So, when I had staying grounded. She also talks about using the platform people chanting, ‘Coco,’ that was pretty cool.” tennis is giving her to do good things—like raising After another three-set victory in the second round, money for hurricane victims in the Bahamas, or raising Coco was humbled in short order by 21-year-old Naomi awareness about issues important to her generation, like Osaka, the top seed. In a moment that would go viral, climate change or the spike in teen suicides. Candi and Osaka invited Coco to stay on the court, bask in the Corey would be proud. Their oldest child sees what’s on fans’ adoration one last time, and share in a post-match the horizon, and she’s channeling their wisdom. She’ll interview. When it was her time to speak, Osaka turned need to. toward Coco’s parents in the stands and said they had Coco won 29 matches in 2019. She entered 2020 raised an amazing player. Both Coco and Osaka cried. ranked No. 67 in singles. In tennis terms, those numbers “I defi nitely thank her for that,” Coco says. “I fi rst met alone aren’t about to raise eyebrows. But don’t think for Naomi when I was 12; she’s always been a nice person. It a moment that the Women’s Tennis Association, which just shows her character. I felt like it wasn’t just a good restricts the number of tournaments in which players moment for me, but for the world to see.” under 18 can participate, isn’t doing a happy dance over Ironically, Coco capitalized on a “lucky loser” Coco’s breakout season (which continued at the fi rst major opportunity—entry into a tournament because another of 2020, the Australian Open; she reached the fourth player withdraws, in this case because of injury—to round—and beat Venus and Osaka along the way). claim her fi rst professional singles title. At the Upper Coco can crush the ball from both the forehand and Austria Ladies Linz, she won six matches en route backhand sides. She can cover the court like nobody’s to the fi nal, including a straight-set victory over Kiki business. She has the kind of fi ght in her that you can’t Bertens, currently the No. 9 player in the world. Coco teach. And she has a smile that can light up New York City. then defeated Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open Serena and Venus are pushing 40. Coco is the future champion, in three sets to hoist the trophy. Afterward, of women’s tennis, especially here in the United States. a presenter handed Coco what appeared to be a bottle And everyone from the sponsors to the TV networks to of wine, a seemingly inappropriate gift for a 15-year-old, her fellow players to the fans at Flushing Meadows who even in Europe. But Coco swears it was sparkling cider. chanted her name in unison knows it. “And it tasted good,” she says. “I almost drank the She’s also a teenager with a learner’s permit. And a soon- whole bottle that night.” to-be 16-year-old who still can’t believe that NBA players, actors like Tom Hiddleston (Loki, from The Avengers) and even Ginger Spice (aka Geri Halliwell) want to meet her— IN WITH let alone a former fi rst lady who spent more than an hour with Coco and her family. AsTHE with most NEWprofessional tennis players, Coco’s life And yet, despite everything swirling in her orbit, Coco revolves around routine when she’s not in tournament manages to recognize good advice when she gets it. mode. Practice starting at 9 or 9:30 in the morning. “[Michelle Obama] told me that it’s OK to say no to some Fitness after that, from noon to 1 p.m. Online school things,” Coco says. “She said not to worry too much about (which she’s done since third grade) from 2 to 4 p.m. people who have opinions about me, that [you can’t] get Then more tennis. Then more school work. caught up in the noise. Her social life is relatively low-key. You might catch her “Really, she was telling me the importance of knowing at an Atlantic High School game during football season my own path.”

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 45 LifeLessons ORANGE BLOSSOMS Ellen Latham, creator and co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness, shares recollections and life lessons from a journey that has given rise to an international exercise phenomenon AS TOLD TO KEVIN GALE

■ My father was a [physical education] teacher and football coach at my local high school in Niagara Falls, New York. He was bigger than life. They just knew him as Coach Cale in the city. It’s kind of like if you ever watch those Lifetime movies where the high school football team is everything and going to the games is the big event in town—that’s how I grew up. My father was the man. His inﬂ uence in ﬁ tness and in sports had a major effect on me.

■ I was ﬁ red from a job at [age 40]. At the time, I was a single parent of a 9-year-old son. It’s very easy [when something like that happens] to climb under the covers and give up. But my father reminded me of this thing called momentum shifting. It’s a sports psychology concept. When the team is losing, the coach [shouldn’t call] them to the sideline and scream at them. You remind them of what they do well.

■ My father’s other advice: Focus on what you have now and build off of that. What I had at that time was a Pilates certifi cation. I was a really good group fi tness instructor. I’ve been doing it for decades. So, I started a small group fi tness class at a gym in my neighborhood. I literally started taking Pilates clients and working them out in a spare room in my home. And that’s how we started my entrepreneurial endeavors.

■ I ended up opening up a small Pilates studio, but there’s no fat-burning metabolic work to Pilates. Many of my members were taking spin classes or working with personal trainers running around the park, and they still weren’t getting the results they wanted. They were frustrated, and they came to me. I looked to solve that problem.

■ I studied for about eight months [to determine what would go into] this “ultimate” workout for my clients and what equipment I would bring in. Everything is based on science. You’re on the treadmill, or on the bike or strider if you have orthopedic conditions. The goal is to get those 12 minutes of heart rate over 84 percent. You’re on the rower to put wattage back in [your body]. Think of [your energy as a light bulb]. As we age, we lose wattage. That’s why we need coffee and energy drinks and all this chemical garbage to keep us going during the day. We wanted to make sure you leave the workout back as a 100-watt light bulb [and not a 40-watt light bulb].

■ In the weight room, we use the TRX straps [a brand of suspension weight training], small gym equipment, dumbbells for what I call your inside muscles and your outside

46 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 47 muscles. Your inside muscles are your posture muscles. ■ Orangetheory is never a competitive atmosphere. When you look in the mirror, those are your outside That’s why I hated boot camps—and I’ve been doing muscles. Everything in that room was physiologically this for 40 years, so I’ve taught everything from the Jane based. Even so, I was kind of surprised when I opened Fonda leg warmer days. I didn’t like that whole “10 isn’t the doors, that, wow, this really took off. People were enough, give me 10 more” concept. I wanted to have a loving it. product where it was enough to “give us what you got and let’s keep working on just improving that.” So, you’re ■ The husband of one of my members was involved in never competing against anyone but yourself. franchising. She loved [the workout]. And she basically said, “Ellen, one of these needs to be on every corner. ■ The theory of Orangetheory is to get the human This is insane. People are bribing the front desk to get heart, which is a muscle, beating over 84 percent [of into class. There are wait lists 10 deep for every class.” your maximum heart rate] for at least 12 minutes by At the time, she said that—and this is important, and the end of the class. That’s what a splat point is [named I don’t know sometimes if it’s a woman thing or just for imagining the sound of a fat cell exploding]. Every a thing that we really don’t believe in ourselves full- time your heart rate goes over 84 percent, you get a heartedly—I actually looked at her and I said, “April, I splat point. You don’t do all 12 minutes in one bout, it’s know nothing about franchising.” She left and walked 90 seconds here, 30 seconds there. What I know about out the door. physiology is if you give me at least 12 minutes, I can change your physiology. I can fi ght cellular decline— ■ I had some conversations with friends, and they were [which starts to occur] after age 30. like, “Of course, you can do something like this.” When you are in that doubtful moment, support is everything. ■ I had a great interest in the science of what goes on, Luckily, the woman walked back in a week later. I took I wasn’t interested in a little circuit workout—a lot of her husband’s name and phone number. We met, and people running around, a trendy workout that will be Orangetheory was born. around for a short period of time. Many people say that’s probably why we were successful. Many businesses sit ■ We really don’t see ourselves in the fi tness business. around and try to think about what’s [going to be] the I wanted [people] to understand that when you come next big thing in fi tness [or in their industry] as opposed into an Orangetheory Fitness studio, we’re looking at to “Let me solve a problem.” building this kind of great culture. Think back [to] the TV show Cheers. You know, when you walk in the bar, ■ I opened up that studio in 2008 with the foundation of everyone knows your name. It’s kind of that type of Orangetheory Fitness—not to become a franchise, not thing. We wanted this small footprint, a 33,000-square- to do anything beyond solving that problem for my little feet studio, where you’d come in and really bond with studio and my Pilates members. It’s interesting what can each other. You support each other. You’re there for each happen when you [tackle] a problem, and then you do a other. pretty good job of solving it.

48 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM The Latham File

■ The creator and co- ■ Orangetheory, founded ■ Latham is the author of ■ Orangetheory exceeded founder of Orangetheory in 2010 and based in Push: A Guide to Living an $1 billion in system-wide Fitness earned her Boca Raton, has grown to All Out Life. Her mantra is sales in 2018; its goal is master’s degree in more than 1,300 studios to “look at what you have, to operate 2,500 studios exercise science from the and 1 million members; not at what you don’t with 2.5 million members State University of New it’s in 23 countries, and have.” by 2024. York at Buffalo. workouts are done in eight languages.

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 49 Let’s Go

GrandThe sprawling Grand Velas Riviera Maya puts an all-inclusive spin on the luxury travel experience BY KEVIN GALE

here are great South Florida resorts and has resorts near Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. beach experiences, but it’s an altogether The Ambassador side of the oceanfront resort caters different experience at the all-inclusive Grand to families while our tour group stayed in the Grand Velas Riviera Maya near Cancun. Class, where children are not allowed in the pool area. The tone is set when you pull off the Another portion of the resort’s 539 rooms are in the Zen Thighway after a half-hour drive from the airport. Like a area, which is cloistered off the entry road and features mirage, there’s a sandy beach with a lagoon in front of the expansive Se Spa, a wedding planning center, the 39-foot-high white walls. Pass through the security gate tropically inspired Koi Bar and a conference center. Don’t in the middle and there’s a mile-long journey through miss the boardwalks that offer beautiful views of cenotes, the resort’s 206 acres, fi lled with jungle and mangroves, which are a prettier version of Florida’s sinkholes. An before you hit the resort on the Caribbean shore. Any informative eco tour explains the fl ora and fauna. stress you have moves into the rearview mirror. The Grand Class, with its 1,100-square-foot rooms, There’s no need to get out your purse and billfold after totally lived up to its name. The expansive bedroom and you arrive. The rates at the fi ve-diamond AAA resort, living room had a large-screen Samsung TV that swiveled which start at $478 a person based on double occupancy, on a stand above the mini-bar to face the couch or the include à la carte meals at its four- and fi ve-diamond bed. However, you’ll quickly lose attention when you specialty restaurants, expansive luxury suites, high-speed see the wall of glass doors that lead to a private balcony internet, premium-branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite overlooking the shimmering blue waters of the Caribbean. service, the fi tness centers, taxes and gratuity. You’ll see it’s time to dip your toes in the balcony’s plunge The resort’s style is a mix of high modern design, with pool or relax on one on the thickly cushioned recliners. enough marble to empty a quarry, and native Mexican Celebrate your arrival with the bottle of mezcal brewed traditions, such as thatched roofs and artful designs that specifi cally for Grand Velas, the chilled white wine and use smooth black Mexican beach rocks. Grand Velas also beer in the refrigerator or the bottle of red on the shelf

50 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM An aerial shot of the beachfront at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2020 51 next to the wine glasses. With 24-hour room service, you After lunch, it was time to work off the calories, could fully hibernate in the room and use the high-speed although we didn’t make use of the resort’s impressive internet to post on social media. gym. We marveled at the beautiful infi nity-edge pool on If you want to cool off after warming up on the balcony, the Grand Class side and walked past a large thatched there’s a sleek glass shower and a large whirlpool bath in roof bar that had seats in the water. Paradise. the bathroom, which is separated from the bedroom by Walking down a boardwalk, we admired the beautiful sliding wood panels. immaculately kept grounds, which included bright pink bougainvillea and beautiful vines in the sand with mauve LET THE FEASTS BEGIN fl owers. As an avid tropical gardener, I can say that Grand Upon my arrival, it was lunchtime and The Bistro Velas’ grounds are among the best examples of tropical restaurant was beckoning on the fi rst fl oor. I pulled on landscaping I’ve seen. the bronze iguana-replica door handles and entered a The Ambassador side of the resort had multiple multilevel dining and bar area with great views of the expansive pools and plenty of shady cabana areas. There pool area and ocean. I enjoyed the attentive service— was an abundance of servers going to and from the beach almost too much—since there was always another chairs with beverages and food. Fish tacos, anyone? margarita on the way. We strolled to the circular shaped Azul restaurant, The Bistro had a great mix of continental and modern which has a soaring timber and thatched roof and a Mexican cuisine. Artisinal bread with rosemary and sweeping view of the ocean. Azul serves a lavish buffet, regular butter quickly arrived along with homemade starting at breakfast, with an array of cuisines. potato chips. I ordered the roasted corn and crab fl an After a nap, we took a more formal tour of the resort, soup. The delightful dish arrived at the table with a including the karaoke room, Kid’s Club and Teen Club whole crab claw and scoop of crab fl an, and then the areas. The Kid’s Club has activities from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., waiter poured a creamy rich broth into the bowl. Our if parents want to have some quality time away from the party tried lion’s paw scallops and jumbo shrimp for children. For adults, there are group yoga and Zumba lunch. Both were perfectly cooked, a consistency we classes. There is an abundance of marine activities, found throughout our stay. The artful presentation of including kayaking, kiteboarding and fl yboarding. our lunch was just a hint of what was to come when we Dinner was at Frida, which is named after the visited the foodie heaven’s other restaurants. renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I started with a

52 MARCH 2020 | PINECRESTMAGAZINE.COM tasty gordita topped with a rinse off the oil and allow clients to experience the elixir. I crispy pork rind, and octopus can’t remember a time when I felt so relaxed. with a salsa that included dark Overall, Grand Velas lived up to its ﬁ ve-diamond beer and chile ash. The Grand reputation; I look forward to returning for a longer stay. Velas restaurants consistently take ordinary fare and give it a tasty twist that reﬂ ects the local ingredients. My ribeye had a red pipian mole sauce with mesquite-smoked potatoes. (Pipian is a puréed sauce that can include pumpkin and sesame seeds.) I was intrigued to learn about Mexican wine when I was served a 2015 Llano Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon from Mexico’s Baja region. It was delightfully smooth with a medium body.

GRAND HIGHLIGHTS We enjoyed the Zen ambience of the Asian and Mayan inspired Chaka restaurant one evening, but the standout restaurant of our trip was Cocina de Autors. BIRD’S-EYE VIEW It is the fi rst restaurant in an Grand Velas likes to create unique A tranquil backdrop at Se Spa all-inclusive resort to receive experiences for guests, so we drove Right: Frida restaurant AAA fi ve-diamond honors. to Cancun and boarded the Ma View, Chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel a 25-foot Sea Ray for a three-hour Alonso combined their Basque heritage with Mexican infl uences. Our group had a dozen journey to Isla Contoy, also known dishes, which were each explained in detail. There were as the Isle of Birds. Getting there interesting twists, such as crispy trout skin, in one dish takes careful planning since there and trout sashimi in another. The braised quail with an is a limit on how many people can almond sauce was a delight. The grouper was covered by arrive. Bring a metal bottle for water poblano chili mojo over a corn and a coriander puree with since plastic bottles aren’t allowed. a pour of cactus juice around it. The nearly 40,000-square-foot Grand Velas Se Spa, Sunscreen is discouraged to protect divided into male and female sides, provided one of the the reefs. The island is a migratory trip’s most memorable (and rejuvenating) experiences. birding paradise, and we marveled My visit started with hourlong water therapies, including at the seemingly nonstop line of a steam room, an ice room, a dry sauna, a sauna where frigates soaring along the rocky you rub clay on your skin and showers that quickly cliff of the island. The beach was alternate between warm and cold water. At the end, you wade through a long trough of ice-cold water and then a beautiful, but we had to keep watch trough of warm water. I made several loops. Then, it’s into on a small crocodile that meandered a large infi nity pool that has hydrotherapy jets coming out outside the swimming buoys. of the walls and my favorite—a curvaceous recliner with Grand Velas worked with air bubbles. LivingDreamsMexico.com to create There is a big array of massage and beauty treatments the exclusive trip and we were at the spa, but I wanted a local experience and chose the face and body massage with organic Xtabentún fl ower served an outstanding lunch of honey and a Mayan Chaká tree bath elixir. The massage freshly prepared lobster and seafood started with an incredibly centering, spiritual experience skewers. Living Dreams is rated five that included putting my feet in a bowl of husks before the stars on Trip Advisor, and our guide therapist wrapped them in warm, moist cloths. While lying was exceedingly informative. on the massage table, I could smell the honey infused into the massage oil. There was a whirlpool bath in the room to

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