Local Flavor

When Jim Seitz joined some friends for dinner 35 years ago, he had no idea of what that evening of fine food and wines would lead to.

A man in the kitchen often means one who makes toast and coffee for breakfast, or who is adept at the adjacent outdoor grill charcoaling something as uncomplicated as burgers and hot dogs or steaks custom-cooked to perfection – as long as everyone requested theirs medium rare.

Local and fresh are current buzzwords that connote quality and healthfulness, plus a boost to the local economy.

Bestselling novelist Debbie Macomber was a cook long before she was a writer. And

Recently I experienced the sights and scents of plants from around the world.

The federal land office once called the Everglades “a pestilential swamp,” a forbidding morass too sickly and sterile to merit survey, better abandoned to the Indians and runaway slaves who sought sanctuary in its watery fastness.

It’s a scene played out dozens of times each night, seven nights a week, at Bobby’s Restaurant on Ocean Drive along the Beach.

What can we say about cooking a turkey on the feast of Thanksgiving that hasn’t already been said? Well, not much. But we can revisit the basics, and add some extra twists that might give your traditional holiday menu a delicious new perspective.

Thai cuisine is popular fare in Vero Beach, transcending age, gender and background.

Many of today’s kids might be surprised to find that they like getting dirty and, with some planning, the whole family can have a fantastic time gardening. Even if you have a small area to use, you’ll still be able to squeeze in some attractive vegetable crops that should keep the kids interested.

Soaring temperatures, high humidity, endless sunny days and tropical nights – that’s Vero Beach in the summer. Time to dress down, load up with sunscreen, and be thankful we live in a time when air conditioning is standard.

So you think cupcakes are just for kids? Well, think again! Today, cupcakes are a lot more than an easy treat to take to an elementary school birthday celebration or a holiday party. Oh, they are still that, but much, much more.

Felix Fajardo spent 20 minutes outside a storefront on 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach debating whether to go in or forget it.

The panorama of Southern desserts includes all sorts of pastries, pies, cakes, custards, puddings, cookies and candies. They are made to satisfy the sweet tooth, but also – depending on the occasion – to comfort, cheer, celebrate and impress.

Beer has existed for millennia. Records of some of the world’s most ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Sumeria and Mesopotamia, document its preparation and consumption.

Vero Beach’s high season for entertaining is officially here, and as the saying goes, “Let the festivities begin.”

Ole! It's time for Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5 that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces in 1862.

An important aspect of a perfect wedding – and the sweet conclusion to the celebration – is the wedding cake. It can be elaborate and flamboyant or simple and chic.

We consulted the head chefs of three of Vero Beach’s popular restaurants for their take on the goodness and versatility of salads.

Plan your next visit to McKee Botanical Garden around lunchtime. Then you can enjoy a treat beyond the lush blooming bromeliads, orchids and water lilies.