NIGHTLIFE
Fit for a King
By Athan "Tom" Prakas, The Prakas Group Vic and Angelo's had a great summer their first year. David Manero reiqnited the Avenue with his Italian Enoteca gem of a dining concept. Not a night passes without the sight of diners feasting on his patio.
II Bacio continues to pack the patio Thursday through Sunday. Steven Pellegrino's Italian restaurant-meets-sexy-nightclub concept delivers high-energy DJ's, award-winning chef Peter Masiello formerly of The Bova Group, and an electric ambiance that continues to attract the hottest and hippest. Elwood's, established in 1987, has been sold to the famous 'rimanti Brothers out of Pittsburg and they are transforming it into Johnny Brown's rock 'n roll joint! Count on it being a real hit, with live entertainment, great burgers, wings, BBQ and, of course, Elvis. Some things never change - and shouldn't
Famous restaurateur Jim Taube is reopening the former oceanfront Shore Restaurant as Surf Sliders. Jim is one of the best restaurateurs in Florida, so you can bet this is going to be a cool, casual beach restaurant and bar
Louie Louie may be gone, but its location was not forgotten.
Restauranteur extraordinaire Dave Manero and wife, Lynn, are transforming this great corner spot inthe The Office - a kind of "your father's office" gastropub that will be the talk of the town with its multimillion dollar design and affordable prices. Expected to open late November.
Aspen Jack's will be transformed into a new concept to be announced soon, but with Downtown Johnny Brown's next door. As hot as Atlantic Avenue is, this will only add to the migration of people to Florida's hottest street.
Construction began this summer on Worthing Place Apartments. The final product will merge tropical living with chic urban style. This 287-unit condominium residence opens for occupancy early 2010. Worthing Place is being developed by Southcoast Partners, one of Florida's leading urban residential development companies.
Even with the economy in the doldrums and with the D-word being passed around, Atlantic Avenue continues to not only suffice, but boom. Every restaurant/cafe operator still wants to be
as close as they can be to the Avenue which is providing a boom for Pineapple Grove and the surrounding areas of the city.
As far as urban streets and areas go, Atlantic Avenue is the state's jewel. The ocean, the intracoastal, and some of the hottest dining destinations in the country make Atlantic THE place to be. So if you want an insider's knowledge about what's happening and what's cooking with this booming restaurant row, stay tuned with me, Tom Prakas, "As the Avenue Turns."
Athan "Tom" Prakas is president/broker of The Prakas Group, a restaurant/hospitality brokerage firm in Boca Raton and Orlando, Fl. He can be reached at 561. 368.0003.
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