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From Pharmacy to Fantasy: The Story Behind Fort Lauderdale's Fetish Factory
From South Florida pharmacists to the founders of Fetish Factory, Glenn and Donna Leone transformed a passion for alternative fashion into a Fort Lauderdale institution. For more than 30 years, Fetish Factory has brought together leather, costumes, music, creativity, and community. Now, its legendary Halloween celebration returns to The Manor in Wilton Manors on October 24 with a Neo-Medieval theme, blending futuristic armor, steampunk-inspired style, and fantasy into one unf
Aug 103 min read
The Finger Lakes Has Found Its Voice
When most people think of American wine, their minds go straight to Napa or Sonoma. The Finger Lakes often get overlooked, known more for sweet Rieslings than world-class, terroir-driven wines. After spending a day with three remarkable wineries, I believe that needs to change. What impressed me wasn't just the quality of the wines; it was the philosophy behind them. As a wine educator, I spend a lot of time encouraging people to slow down, trust their own palate, and disco
Rhonda Rosen-Virgin
Aug 73 min read
From Comfort Food to Clean Fuel: The Rise of Haley Goldberg’s Bite Me Protein Bakery
What began as a warm, familiar banana bread recipe in a family kitchen has risen into something far greater. Hayley Goldberg, founder of Bite Me Protein Bakery, is redefining indulgence with high-protein, low-sugar, vegan treats that don’t sacrifice flavor for function. From college experiments to sold-out farmers markets across South Florida, her journey blends tradition, resilience, and innovation—proving that comfort food and clean eating can thrive in the same bite.
Nile Fortner
Apr 234 min read
O’z Cookiez: The Gooey, Gluten-Free Treats Taking Over South Florida
Omar Anwar’s O’z Cookiez is redefining sweet treats in South Florida, turning simple ingredients into rich, gooey, and unforgettable cookies. Inspired by childhood baking sessions with his grandmother, Omar creates indulgent chocolate chip cookies and gluten- and dairy-free options that delight every palate. From farmers markets to coffee shops, O’z Cookiez is more than a cookie—it’s a bite of nostalgia, community, and pure, handcrafted flavor.
Nile Fortner
Mar 314 min read
From Cookies to Closings: The Brooksy Group Bakes Impact for Kids
Before they ever sold a home, Rin Swan Belvedere and Justin Brooks were serving up something even sweeter — joy, community, and heart. Justin Brooks, a South Florida native raised with a strong sense of service, parlayed years of hard work and connection-building into a real estate career shaped by purpose, not just profit, and his “Baked with Brooksy” sales raised nearly $10,000 for local kids while bringing families together with gooey, smile-inducing treats. Rin Swan Belve
Nile Fortner
Jan 204 min read
How Two Drums Turned an Island Moment Into Award-Winning Rum
Stranded in the Bahamas during the pandemic, cousins Logan Roschman and Clark turned a family tradition into a tropical revelation. Their families had been hopping across the islands since childhood. Logan’s mom and Clark’s dad are siblings, so the duo grew up on salt air, sunshine, and coconuts. As adults, island trips with friends meant gathering fresh coconuts, splashing in some rum, and toasting to paradise. But when COVID left them without mixers, they cracked open cocon
Nile Fortner
Dec 30, 20255 min read
Savor the Season...Discover your signature holiday wine.
Let me invite you into the moment. A long, white tablecloth, fresh white and green flowers running down the center, candles glowing at varying heights, and five very different wines waiting for the all-important question: Will they earn a place on the holiday table?
Rhonda Rosen-Virgin
Nov 26, 20253 min read
Catch & Cut is Serving up the Freshest Stone Crabs this Season
As anticipation builds for the return of South Florida’s stone crab season, starting Wednesday, Oct. 15, Catch & Cut is Fort Lauderdale’s destination for an elevated coastal dining experience combined with old-school hospitality.
Nile Fortner
Oct 15, 20256 min read
A Toast to Taste: Fort Lauderdale’s Rhonda Rosen-Virgin on Picking the Right Wine Every Time
If you are like most, you forgo the wine and order a cocktail (much easier, embarrassment averted) or you roam the aisles hoping for a ray of light to descend from the heavens to aim its beam on the perfect choice.
Rhonda Rosen-Virgin
Oct 8, 20252 min read
If The Herb Fitz: How Jennifer Fitzgerald is Changing Lives One Tea at a Time
Today, through If The Herb Fitz, Jennifer Fitzgerald offers a carefully curated line of herbal teas.
Nile Fortner
Apr 23, 20257 min read
Healing, Heritage, and Hibiscus: The Endless Life Teas Journey
Endless Life Teas isn't just brewing beverages; it's blending culture, wellness, and heritage in every cup.
Nile Fortner
Mar 28, 20253 min read
Catch & Cut Celebrates Grand Opening in Fort Lauderdale
To celebrate its opening, Catch & Cut hosted two exclusive events. During a VIP Preview on Jan. 16.
Nile Fortner
Feb 6, 20253 min read
Livia Bar & Grill: A Culinary Oasis in the Heart of Fort Lauderdale
Livia has quickly earned a reputation as one of the city’s premier dining destinations.
Nile Fortner
Feb 2, 20253 min read
Catch & Cut will be crackin’ on Las Olas
Catch & Cut will be known for its exceptional seafood, premium stone crabs, sushi and USDA prime steaks from Allen Brothers. The Catch & Cut
Nile Fortner
Dec 22, 20244 min read
Uncovering the Unseen: A Journey of Discovery along Las Olas Boulevard
This guide will help you explore the lesser-known spots along this stunning thoroughfare, highlighting unique shops, delicious restaurants,
Nile Fortner
Dec 9, 20244 min read
The Timeless Taste of Timpano Las Olas
Tucked along the bustling Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Timpano Las Olas has established itself as a cornerstone of fine dining...
Nile Fortner
Dec 3, 20242 min read
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