Feature Stories

Faces Of polo 2016: Players Bring The Sport To Life

 

Faces_Of_Polo_2016

Faces Of polo 2016: Players Bring The Sport To Life

Each winter, the many facets of the perfect polo experience come together right here in Wellington — people watching, high fashion, tailgating, divot stomping, Sunday brunch and more — but it’s the amazing athletes who bring the sport to life. With nearly every top player in the world competing in this year’s 20-goal and 26-goal tournaments, the International Polo Club Palm Beach will once again be home to the world’s best polo action. As we do every year, Wellington The Magazine highlights just a few of the elite players who will gallantly lead their steeds down the fields at IPC in pursuit of eternal glory. We invite you to turn the page to start enjoying Faces of Polo 2016.

 

ADOLFO CAMBIASO

Adolfo Cambiaso, the Argentine 10-goaler, has been considered to be the top player in the game for the past 20 years. He has played on six U.S. Open Polo Championship teams and won nine USPA Gold Cup tournaments and a USPA C.V. Whitney Cup tournament. Cambiaso continues to awe and amaze spectators and players alike, and you can watch his aggressive style of play on the Valiente/Dubai team this year at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

 

JULIO ARELLANO

Julio Arellano is one of the highest-rated American players at 8 goals. Now 42, he has been playing the sport since the age of 9. Arellano played on the only U.S. team to win the Federation of International Polo World Championship, and he is a leading goal scorer and a key player on the Coca-Cola team at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. He won the U.S. Open Polo Championship no less than three times, is known as a pressure player. Arellano is considered the bedrock of any team.

 

FACUNDO PIERES

Facundo Pieres is currently the No. 2-ranked player in the world. As a member of the Zacara polo team, he won the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2012 and 2013, followed by a sweep of the English season (the Queen’s Cup and the British Open). One of only six 10-goal players in the game, the talented South American player continues to dazzle the crowd with his expert stickwork and horsemanship. He will be playing on the 26-goal Orchard Hill polo team in 2016.

 

NIC ROLDAN

Nic Roldan was born in Argentina but grew up in Wellington. He became the youngest player in history to win the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 1998. Great hand-eye coordination and exceptional accuracy allowed this talented athlete to excel in both golf and hockey before selecting polo as his career path. He has twice represented the United States in international play, and at 8 goals, he is one of America’s top players. You can look for his stickwork magic this year on the 20-goal Audi team at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

 

RASHID ALDWARDY

Rashid Aldwardy debuts his 20-goal Dubai team this season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The team has dominated the United Kingdom high-goal polo scene for more than a decade, winning the Queens Cup and the Gold Cup more times than any other team in recent years. The Dubai team cinched wins for both the 2015 Sotogrande High-Goal Silver Cup and the Gold Cup. A tenacious and high-scoring player, Aldwardy will also be playing on the 26-goal Valiente team, which won the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2015.

 

SAPO CASET

Guillermo “Sapo” Caset Jr., the son of an accomplished, professional Argentine polo player, earned a 6-goal handicap by the time he was barely 16. In his tenure in Wellington, Caset has won the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup (2011 and 2014), the Piaget Gold Cup (2009 and 2014) and the U.S. Open Polo Championship (2011). He is currently ranked as the No. 8 polo player in the world.

 

SUGAR ERSKINE

Sugar Erskine, a 6-goal South African player, started playing polo at the age of 9. He made his way to the United States in 1993 and is a favorite on the American polo circuit. He has won the U.S. Open Polo Championship three times, and has recently celebrated a number of wins in the 20-goal competition with Gillian Johnston’s Coca-Cola polo team.

 

JEFF HALL

Jeff Hall comes from a polo-playing family that split its time between Santa Barbara, Calif., and Houston. Among his more important victories, Hall counts wins in the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the America’s Cup, the East Coast Open and several Silver Cups. As a member of the 2009 U.S. Westchester Cup team, he played against England and has been a regular on the international polo scene for years. Hall is known as a powerful hitter and an accomplished horseman. He has a 7-goal handicap.

 

HILARIO ULLOA

Hilario Ulloa, competing on the field with a 9-goal handicap, began playing at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in 2010 for the Crab Orchard polo team, which swept the high-goal season that year by winning the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup, the Piaget Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. Competing on the Alegria team at IPC in 2014, his wide-open style helped capture the U.S. Open Polo Championship by defeating Valiente in the final match.

 

SEBASTIAN MERLOS

Sebastian Merlos is one of only six polo players in the world to achieve the highest ranking of 10 goals. He has captured the titles of every major tournament in more than 18 countries. He counts three U.S. Opens at the International Polo Club Palm Beach among his successes. Merlos has a fierce passion for horses and the sport he loves, making him one of the strongest horsemen playing polo today. He holds a 9-goal handicap in the U.S. and will be playing on the 20-goal Tonkawa team this year at IPC.

 

GONZALITO PIERES

Gonzalito Pieres, rated at 9 goals, is the older brother of Facundo Pieres. He has won major tournaments all over the world and has helped pilot Marc Ganzi’s Audi team to wins in the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the USPA Gold Cup and the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup. A classic-style player, Pieres has been the mainstay of the Audi team, providing leadership and direction on the field.

 

POLITO PIERES

Polito Pieres is another member of the famous Pieres polo family. He plays in Wellington alongside his cousins, Facundo and Nico Pieres, and has a 9-goal handicap. Born in the United States, Pieres has played on winning teams in the British Open, the Deauville Gold Cup in France, and the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup and the Piaget Gold Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. This year, you can watch him compete at the 26-goal level on Steve Van Andel’s Orchard Hill team.

 

TOMMY BIDDLE

Tommy Biddle, a Wellington favorite in arena polo, cut his teeth in the sport and began competing and winning at the age of 12. His 6-foot, 2-inch frame looms large on the polo field, and his strong defensive play and decisive mental focus keep his opponents at bay. Although he proudly gained 10-goal status in arena play, he has a 5-goal outdoor handicap. He takes to the polo field this season for La Indiana, a newcomer to the 2016 20-goal team lineup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

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Feature Stories

Funky Buddha, Beerstream And IPC Get Crafty For The 2016 Polo Season

06_Funky Buddha_Beerstream

Funky Buddha, Beerstream And IPC Get Crafty For The 2016 Polo Season

 

The 1968 vintage “Beerstream” trailer made its debut at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in 2015 and is now a welcoming mainstay at IPC’s Sunday Brunch. The decked out Airstream is the hub for Veuve Clicquot and VIP brunch check-ins, and also offers cocktails, frozen drinks, a tap tower and craft beers to all polo guests.

Now, in partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery, the Beerstream and new Beer Garden brew up beer-tastic, funky fun with the addition of the exclusive Funky Buddha Polo Blonde Beer, only available at IPC. Also included is a lounge area with picnic tables and umbrellas, and cornhole and Jenga games.

The Beer Garden is open to the public, and private servers will offer pints and flights of beer, refillable growlers, and giant pretzels stuffed with cheeses and charcuterie. Each growler contains six beers and is refillable week after week. This potent “portable” will be appealing to tailgaters and divot stompers alike.

In addition to the polo-centric ale, Funky Buddha is known for its creative and innovative approach to craft beers, with fun and seasonal flavors like blueberry and grapefruit, and fan favorites such as Rum-Soaked Oak-Aged Red Ale, Orange-Creamsicle Wheat, Ginger Lemongrass, and their blockbuster brew, Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. It is breakfast in a glass — and a perfect start to a day of Sunday polo brunching.

The Funky Buddha street team will also offer guests gifts, swag bags, and invitations to tour the brewery and enjoy tastings of the company’s craft beers. Get your funk on and head over to Sunday polo to check it out!

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Feature Stories

World’s Best Equestrian Competition At 2016 WEF

images from the january 2016 issue of wellington the magazine. all content ©2016 wellington the magazine

World’s Best Equestrian Competition At 2016 WEF

The 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival is now underway at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The 37th annual show series opened Jan. 13 and continues through April 3. The 12-week circuit is world-renowned for its size, scope and caliber of competition, featuring more than $9 million in prize money. While WEF brings the best equestrians in the world to Wellington each winter, the festival also welcomes everyone from the local area to enjoy everything that the show grounds has to offer.

WEF is the largest and longest-running circuit in equestrian sports, with riders from 33 countries and all 50 U.S. states represented. WEF hosts the nation’s premier events for children, juniors, adults and amateurs — for riders from age 2 to age 70 — in more than 70 unique divisions of competition. More than 6,000 horses compete within the circuit.

PBIEC is one of the finest venues in the world for equestrian sports, and its growth has ushered in a new level of competition in the United States. The expansive facility features 500 acres, 12 competition arenas, 256 permanent stalls for horses, horse trails, pedestrian paths, dedicated shopping areas, food vendors and more, making it a place anyone can appreciate, whether an equestrian or a spectator.

WEF has stepped up its visibility worldwide with major cable sports network broadcasts of the biggest events of the season. Last year’s television coverage included shows on NBC Sports. More television will be included for this year’s circuit, and people from around the world can watch all the major events at WEF online at www.coth.com. Live streaming has become an ideal way for equestrian sport fans to follow along with the competition.

Highlights of this year’s WEF include four weeks of CSI 5* competition. The first five-star class of the season is the $380,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 5* on Feb. 13 during WEF Week 5. Following that are the $380,000 Suncast Grand Prix CSI 5* on Feb. 27 in WEF Week 7 and the $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5* on March 12 during WEF Week 9. The final five-star is the culminating event of the season, the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* on April 2.

International competition will also feature the popular $150,000 FEI Nations Cup on Friday, March 4, during week eight’s CSIO 4* competition, as well as 52 FEI World Ranking classes throughout the circuit.

WEF hosts the best competition in the country, with 73 professional and amateur divisions for hunters, jumpers and equitation. Special hunter and equitation events include the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, Feb. 20 in WEF Week 6; the George Morris Excellence in Equitation presented by Alessandro Albanese on Friday, March 25 in WEF Week 11; and the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Dietrich Insurance and hosted by Tailored Sportsman, on April 2-3 in WEF Week 12.

Other top jumper events include the $170,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, with seven classes for the best young show jumpers throughout the circuit; the Hollow Creek Farm Children’s/Junior/Young Rider Nations Cups on Saturday, March 5; and the $10,000 Holtgers 5 Year Old Jumper Classic, $15,000 Adequan 6 Year Old Jumper Classic and $20,000 Adequan 7 Year Old Jumper Classic, all held during WEF Week 12.

The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, an exciting pro-am show jumping event, will take place for the seventh year on Saturday, Feb. 6. The event has raised more than $7.5 million for more than 150 Palm Beach County charities over the past six years, becoming the largest single-day net charitable event in Florida.

Friday nights will feature action in the main arena at the Stadium at PBIEC throughout the circuit. The Stadium, built on almost 60 acres, features a beautifully manicured grass derby field with natural obstacles adjacent to the Adequan Global Dressage Festival grounds, which house a main arena surrounded by grandstand seating and the Global Pavilion, 200 permanent stalls, the Wellington Equestrian Realty Arena that can fit three regulation-size dressage arenas, and the Van Kampen Arena, one of the world’s largest covered arenas.

In addition to the facility being home to world-class dressage, it will also host exciting grand prix events, horse exhibitions and equestrian clinics. It is the home to the Palm Beach Riding Academy, where everyone is welcome to take lessons or make a weekend experience at PBIEC. Horses are available for lease to ride and to show.

During WEF Week 6, six different show jumping events will be staged at the Stadium, both in the International Ring and on the grass derby field. Both venues offer variety for horses and riders. Spectators will get to enjoy a Sunday afternoon sitting on the grass berm watching show jumping in the sunny Florida weather. One of these featured events is the $216,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI 4* on Feb. 7, during WEF Week 4.

Also held at the Stadium is the WEF Sport Horse Auction on March 3, hosted at night in the International Ring. Spectators can see some of the most amazing young horses from The Netherlands and see how the bids add up to take home these talented mounts.

The Asheville Regional Airport Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, is another thrilling event staged at the Stadium, featuring the Olympic sport of eventing. Spectators can watch a new discipline as it expands in popularity in Wellington.

The Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series and Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series each feature increased prize money and more opportunities for international riders to earn valuable world ranking points throughout the circuit. They are an easy way to see the top riders in the world competing against up-and-coming stars in a relaxed daytime setting.

Thousands of equestrians call Wellington home each winter, and it’s no surprise, since opportunities abound for competition, training, gaining experience, selling horses and more at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The world is welcome to visit PBIEC to learn more about equestrian sports and appreciate the beauty and strength of horses in action.

To learn more about the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival, visit www.pbiec.com.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Education

EDUCATION: Darleen Torres | Puerto Rico Native Shares Her Love Of Spanish With Students At PBCHS

16_EDUCATION Darleen Torres

Wellington Education

Story by Chris Felker

Photos by ???

It’s a safe bet that Daleen Torres won’t ever suffer from empty nest syndrome, even though her children are now grown and on their own. Torres tends a nest of fledgling Spanish speakers daily for most of the year, as a teacher of Advanced Placement and Cambridge Program classes at Palm Beach Central High School.

Torres started out as a Palm Beach County School District substitute teacher back in 1998. She later became a permanent substitute before being promoted to a full-time teaching position. Now Torres is head of the World Languages Department at PBCHS.

“I grew up in Puerto Rico and moved to the [mainland] United States when I was 27,” she recalled, noting that it was her husband Francisco Rivera’s idea. “Of course, I was a good wife. I followed him. I had gone to the University of Puerto Rico, and my career was as a social worker.”

Married for just a few years at the time and with two young children, Torres began her time in Wellington was stay-at-home mother. She soon made friends with a neighbor, who began encouraging her to find a part-time job so that she could exercise her education and get some time out of the house.

“It was at a Christmas party at her house, with some other friends, and they said they were looking for substitute teachers,” Torres said. “She knew that I had a bachelor’s degree — not in education, but I have a bachelor’s, and that’s what you need to be a substitute. So I went and applied, and I got the job.”

Torres started out as an elementary school substitute, teaching a little bit of everything. “I tried to, of course, do some Spanish, and I taught math,” she said. “I worked in ESE (Exceptional Student Education) programs at an elementary school, and also at Wellington High School.”

Eventually, a perfect opportunity arose. “I applied to be a permanent Spanish substitute teacher at WHS, and that’s how I actually opened my doors,” Torres said. “I decided to certify myself [to be a full-time teacher], so I was going to school and working at the same time.”

Torres completed that program in 2003 and received her permanent teacher certification. In 2007, she became national board certified in world languages, and a short time later became department head, where she now oversees eight other teachers.

Even as a supervisor, she is still fully hands-on. “I’m teaching five classes, but one of them is a combo, so that would give me six,” Torres said. “All my classes are college-level.”

She is very proud of her work with the Cambridge Program.

“It’s an international examination program, including not only world languages, but all the subjects, and we are one of the schools that offers this program,” Torres said. “We have been very successful. The first year we offered the program, as related to world languages, we offered pre-courses getting the students ready to move on into college-credit classes. We still offer some of the Advanced Placement courses here, and I actually also teach those courses in advanced Spanish.”

And these courses are not just for juniors or seniors. “Actually, the program is open for kids that are already maturing and they’re college-bound,” Torres explained, noting that Cambridge classes are open to freshmen, and at the AP level, there are actually more 10th and 11th graders.

“In one of the highest courses for Spanish, the advanced level, that includes leadership — those are more for juniors and seniors,” she said. “So it’s a combination.”

But Torres aims to be far more than just a Spanish teacher to her students. She sees herself as a mentor, encouraging their potential.

“I try to encourage kids where we see they have potential, but they haven’t considered themselves to be college-bound,” she said. “When we see their talent, we encourage them to participate in the program, and some of them have continued in different classes after that.”

Torres tries to explain to her students how important it is to follow up on their studies in today’s fast-paced world.

“Many of my students who go to college minor in Spanish while they study nursing, business or other fields,” she said. “They understand how important it is to be bilingual right now. We are a multicultural society, particularly in Florida.”

Torres recommends that her students continue their Spanish studies after high school.

“You don’t learn a language in four or five years; you keep learning something new every day,” she said. “And I use myself as an example, because, of course, I have a strong accent. I’m aware of that, and sometimes I mispronounce [words in English]. I’m aware of that, but I learn new vocabulary all the time.”

Asked about the greatest reward she gets out of her career, Torres cites the fledglings coming back to the nest as full-plumed adults on a trajectory to success.

“Before Thanksgiving, I had one of my world language students come back — and this is an American student telling me he’s holding Spanish conversations through Skype,” she said. “He’s actually using the language and talking, and he came back to thank all the teachers. He was telling me how much he had gained… Those things keep you going.”

Her biggest reward?

“When I see my kids actually learning something that really has gained them some proficiency,” Torres said. “When they pass the test, I feel like a proud mother.”

 

 

This year’s Wellington Education series profiles some of the many educators who are expanding the minds of today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Health

HEALTH: Dr. Bao T. Doan Brings Cosmetic Medicine Services To Tipsy Salonbar Locations

17_HEALTH Dr. Bao T

Wellington Health

Story by Ron Bukley

Photo by ???

Dr. Bao T. Doan is a well-known interventional radiologist, but she was looking for a more gratifying practice that brought happiness for her patients through cosmetic medicine, so she entered into a partnership with Tipsy Salonbar, which has five locations, including one in Wellington.

“I do intervention and surgeries through the arteries and the veins,” Doan said. “That’s my profession. I do biopsies, and basically any endovascular surgery.”

She has been in practice for 12 years and is prominent in her profession, but she also finds cosmetic medicine very gratifying. “I like everything that looks beautiful, like design,” Doan said.

She has taken training in cosmetic medicine over the years to pursue her interest in making people feel good about themselves through their appearance.

“Mostly women, but more and more men, feeling beautiful, it’s all about aesthetic,” she explained. “I got interested in Botox, particularly, about 10 years ago, so I went back and took several classes. I wasn’t ready to leave my job as a radiologist, so it was a balance.”

Doan started out with a clinic to do Botox treatments, but it was in a medical building, which was not her concept of a spa. This led to her partnership with Tipsy owner Beth Nguyen to practice cosmetic medicine in her spas.

“I think it should be a one-stop,” Doan said. “It’s all about beauty. You can come here, feel good about your hair, feel good about your nails, your skin and Botox while you’re there. Botox and fillers is what I do most here.”

Botox treatments, once controversial, have become more widely accepted, she said.

“People spend all this time and money on makeup, which does work… but when I do Botox, it really helps the patient feel younger and more confident,” Doan explained. “I don’t think Botox is for everybody, but for people who believe in it, I think I’m always happier to give that joy to them.”

Doan said that the spa environment is not as intimidating as a medical environment, and patients feel at ease talking with her about beauty and things that will make them feel better.

“It’s a new vision, and I think it’s unusual for a doctor to be in a salon/spa setting, but I think that’s going to be the future, because Botox is becoming more of a commodity than a sterile surgical procedure,” she said.

One of her most successful procedures is lip augmentation to give volume.

“As a physician and an interventional radiologist, I know the anatomy, I know where the arteries are and know to avoid them, so I think I get good results by being very intrinsic with all the muscles of the face and how they move and mostly how the arteries and veins are, to avoid the bruising and other issues,” Doan said. “I’m very comfortable with my hands, because that’s what I do all day long.”

Doan can also prescribe low-cost, pharmaceutical-quality sunscreens and anti-aging creams, and can give medical-grade chemical peels. She said that there are many ways to treat wrinkles, and plans to expand into new cosmetic treatments, including laser, high-intensity light and minimally invasive liposuction.

“There are many ways to treat wrinkles, and I want to be there for all of it,” she said. “I’m hoping to have a clinic where people can come and sit with me and talk, and together we can build a beauty plan,” Doan said.

Doan received her degree from the McGill University Health Center in Montreal, and has done extensive postdoctoral training. She is the author of numerous research presentations and publications in her field.

Tipsy’s Wellington location is at 10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 100, in the Pointe at Wellington Green near Stonewood Grill & Tavern. Call (561) 791-5603 or visit www.tipsysalonbar.com for more information.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Real Estate

REAL ESTATE: Military Service Gave Realtor Paul Smolchek His Drive To Succeed

18_REAL ESTATE Paul Smolchek

Wellington Real estate

Story by Matthew Auerbach

Photo by ???

Paul Smolchek credits his success as a Realtor with Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty in Wellington to his military background. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and through subsequent service in both the U.S Army and U.S. Army Reserves, Smolchek was instilled with a drive to never quit until the job is done.

“What I feel sets me apart from other Realtors is an unwillingness to settle,” Smolchek said. “I have always been driven and committed toward helping others and helping my community, trying to give more than I take. In life as in business, I believe that the desire to help others always serves people well. From my time at the military academy until now, I have tried to be a problem-solver and find creative ways around difficult problems. I believe that to be a great asset when you are dealing with clients about a decision that can be very emotional and personal.”

Smolchek has lived in Wellington since 1997. It was a case of love at first sight.

“Having spent the last 18 years living in the western communities and being immersed in the equestrian way of life, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the lifestyle and the people,” he said. “I have always enjoyed living here and being close enough to the coast to be able to not only enjoy the water and coastal life, but still also enjoy the equestrian lifestyle and all that Wellington has to offer.”

His love of that specific lifestyle has become Smolchek’s area of expertise. “My focus and specialization will continue to be the equestrian communities, trying to help families find their spot of paradise,” he said.

Meeting with the owners at Equestrian Sotheby’s, Smolchek became excited to join the dynamic organization. He is convinced the company’s international involvement benefits his work on a local level.

“I think that one of the biggest things that Equestrian Sotheby’s offers that sets us apart from other firms in the area is the global reach of our brand,” he said. “There is such a large international clientele that call Wellington home. The global reach of Sotheby’s International ties our clientele back to our local community.”

Smolchek has a message for both buyers and sellers in the Wellington area: the future is bright.

“In looking at the local market and how it’s affected by an extended geography and national trends, I am very optimistic about the upcoming season and love the outlook for the near future,” he said. “My belief is that we are still in a bit of a sellers’ market but with a very controlled growth, something that we didn’t see in the housing bubble in the early 2000s.”

This makes it good for both buyers and sellers, Smolchek explained.

“Owners have the ability to enjoy a strong return on their investments with strong offerings, and at the same time, we still feel very optimistic about buyers finding an attractive deal in a market with a good mix of availability,” he said.

Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 12180 South Shore Blvd., Suite 102, in Wellington. Contact Smolchek at (561) 644-9830 or (561) 771-2626.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Table - Signature Dish

SIGNATURE DISH (TABLE): Whole Roasted Branzion At The Seahore Fashion Cuisine

20_Signature Dish _ Table _ Seahorse Fashion Cuisine

Wellington Table

Story and Photos by Julie Unger

The Seahorse Fashion Cuisine is an oceanic aficionado’s dream come true. Soothing music, ocean-themed décor and a beautiful tank with brightly colored fish greet guests as they arrive for a truly fine dining experience.

Chef John Sarmiento, who recently revamped the restaurant’s menu for its third season, took us on a voyage to the sea as we learned about the restaurant’s new signature dish — Whole Roasted Branzino. “The Branzino comes in from Greece,” Sarmiento said.

The tender fish is butterflied, grilled, then plated with baby artichokes, sliced heirloom tomatoes, black olive chimichurri and grilled lemon.

“Our heirloom tomatoes are local,” Sarmiento said. “They’re from a farmhouse in western Palm Beach County. We get them at the peak of the season.”

Quality ingredients, fresh, local and unique, make all of the difference when making something seemingly simple transform into a complex medley of flavors and textures.

“Just from the best fish, to the best artichokes, to the local tomatoes, and last but not least, the homemade black olive chimichurri,” Sarmiento explained. “It’s a combination of flavors here with the nice, fresh tomatoes and the local artichokes, then you get this nice boost of cilantro, parsley and black olives, combining it all together.”

The black olive chimichurri is made with cilantro, parsley, garlic shallots, lemon juice, red vinegar, salt, pepper and chopped black olives. “It gives a real bright, fresh wow to the plate,” he said.

The plate is decorated with a balsamic reduction made in-house, which complements the light, refreshing dish.

“It’s the combination of all of the fresh, local ingredients, using the best of the best,” he said. “When you get good tomatoes, you need to make sure you complement them with excellent sea salt, fantastic balsamic vinegar and then artichokes. Anybody can get canned artichokes. We get them in fresh, we cook them daily. We blanch them to perfection, then toss them in a marinade before they’re grilled. Every ingredient, you enhance its own flavors, and then you complement it with a little minor ingredient, and it makes the whole plate shine on its own.”

To top the dish, Sarmiento sprinkles fresh-grown sprouts, such as baby Russian kale, to add another layer of complexity and flavor to the dish.

An expanded wine selection is also available during season. Every few weeks, the menu changes, offering a fresh, new experience for Seahorse patrons.

Manager and partner Luu Lam has received positive feedback on the new menu. “We wanted to change the whole concept of it. We wanted to do smaller portions so everyone could try a little bit of everything, especially a party of two or a party of four,” Lam said. “They could come in, order three, four or five items, so they could get a sense of what the appetizers and the small plates are.”

The Seahorse’s menu is diverse, offering seafood, meat and chicken, as well as vegetarian offerings, which is good for larger parties where some may not like seafood.

Utilized in the menu are specialty foods such as parmigiana reggiano and miso, foods that are classified as umami — one of the five basic tastes. It features all new entrees, dinners, desserts and appetizers. The menu features a tapas theme, with small plates that are perfect for ordering rounds of plates with drinks.

Previously, the menu focused on seafood. Now, more meats, proteins and salads are available. Menu highlights include the Lobster and Avocado Cocktail, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Truffled Snapper, Aji Amarillo, Skirt Steak and Grilled Lobster, the Curry Bowl, Blackened Free Range Chicken and a two-pound Maine Lobster.

The ‘wow’ factor of the restaurant — from the food to the service to the décor — are some of the things that make the Seahorse special. Lam calls it a “hidden gem.”

“When they come into the Seahorse, they are not going out to eat, they are dining out,” Lam said. “From the point where they walk into the door to the time that they leave, that’s what we want them to enjoy.”

The Seahorse is available for private parties and offers off-site catering, as well as delivery through Delivery Dudes and Cravy.

The Seahorse Fashion Cuisine — part of the Fashion Cuisine family of restaurants — is located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and reservations, call (561) 791-1616.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Home

HOME: Homeland Estate Features Wonderful Equestrian Amenities And Much More

DCIM100GOPROG0197723.

Wellington Home

Just south of Wellington is a hidden gem of a community called Homeland, a bit off the beaten horse path, yet beloved by top riders, as well as regular horse-loving folks. Divided into five-acre lots, the community is currently made up of more than 50 percent equestrians. There is a trail behind each home which, taken together, form miles and miles of peaceful and serene riding trails. This particular Homeland residence, located next to the guard-gated entrance, has an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, four bedrooms, three baths and a den. The entire property is fenced and features beautiful equestrian amenities.

 

SPREAD 1

The single-story home is located on a brick-paved circle drive where, just across a sunny exercise field, an eight-stall barn with a full bath of its own awaits. The barn also has two covered wash stalls, an air-conditioned tack room, a feed room with a roll-up door and a laundry room. Overhead ceiling fans and a cupola offer maximum air flow, while a fly spray system adds an extra layer of comfort.

 

 

SPREAD 2

 

Kitchen: The home’s stunning black-and-white kitchen features a stainless steel double wall oven with a contemporary range hood, an oversized refrigerator, a farmhouse sink, a glass tile backsplash and quartz countertops. An island with a step-up top allows for seating on one side and food prep on the other.

 

Master Bath: The privacy wall behind this Jacuzzi tub hides a walk-through shower with dual showerheads. His-and-hers quartz-top vanities with sinks are located and to the left and right of the tub. Cool ceramic tile flooring extends throughout the house, with a wood plank look warming up the bedrooms.

 

Barn: The exercise field offers plenty of room for a jump arena or dressage ring. Hurricane-proof shutters on both the barn and house (as well as impact-resistant glass windows and doors) assure that the entire property locks up safe and sound while the residents are away.

 

Family Room: This cheerful, glassed-in area is the family room, where indoor activities will never detract from outdoor activities taking place in the riding area and barn.

 

Mudroom: Because the laundry room door exits not into the three-car garage but into the yard, it doubles as a mudroom. Shed those dirty clothes here and pop them right into the washer!

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