Fresh Starts Served At Keke’s Breakfast Cafe In Wellington

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and brunch, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in the Pointe at Wellington Green features hand-crafted favorites served in a comfortable and casual atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Wellington, stop by and see what all the great reviews are about.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 190 | Wellington, FL 33414 561.444.2075 | www.southfloridakekes.com

At Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Wellington, every meal is a fresh start, served daily with care and passion. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely breakfast, a midday brunch or a satisfying lunch, Keke’s offers a flavor-packed experience that leaves guests returning for more.

The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., making it the perfect spot to kickstart your day or fulfill your cravings. When you step inside, you’re greeted with the irresistible aromas of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling, made-to-order meals that promise to satisfy every taste. The kitchen is stocked with only the finest ingredients: hand-cracked eggs, freshly ground coffee, perfectly ripe fruits, real butter and whipped cream, all prepared to order. At Keke’s, there’s no room for microwaves, just fresh food prepared with precision and love, ensuring that every dish is as flavorful as it is fresh.

Keke’s has earned a reputation for both great food and an incredible dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. Fast, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere make it the kind of place where every guest feels like a regular. The menu is a showcase of breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites, all made with the highest quality ingredients. You can indulge in classic buttermilk pancakes, or try the Florida pancakes, topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s the chocolate chip waffle or apple-cinnamon waffle, both served with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar and a touch of cinnamon, perfect for starting the day on a sweet note. If you prefer something savory, the omelets are a must-try. From the western omelet, filled with ham, onions, green peppers and cheddar cheese, to the Greek omelet, which boasts fresh baby spinach, diced tomatoes and feta cheese, each omelet is made to order, cooked to perfection and served just the way you like it.

But it’s not just about what’s on the menu; it’s about the experience. Every meal at Keke’s is carefully crafted, ensuring that what you’re eating is as fresh as possible. Whether you’re savoring the Scrambler Bowl, a hearty combination of eggs, vegetables, cheese and home fries, or the Sunshine Bowl filled with yogurt, granola, fresh fruit and honey, you’ll find that every dish is prepared with an attention to detail that’s hard to beat. You can even customize your meal to fit your unique cravings — whether it’s building your own perfect omelet or mixing and matching dishes for the ultimate Keke’s Special Combo, which includes two pancakes, two slices of French toast, or a waffle paired with your choice of sides.

The warm, inviting atmosphere at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe encourages repeat visits. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before work, enjoying a weekend brunch with friends or stopping by for a casual lunch, Keke’s delivers fast, friendly service with a smile. The menu offers plenty of options to satisfy every palate, from the cheese steak omelet, loaded with steak, green peppers and onions, to the fajita omelet, filled with seasoned chicken, green peppers, onions and salsa.

If you’re craving something lighter, the fresh fruit bowls, oatmeal with sliced bananas and signature sandwiches, piled high with premium meats and cheeses, offer something for every taste. And if you need something on the go, Keke’s makes it easy to place an order online for takeout, delivery or catering.

Keke’s is more than just a place to eat — it’s a place to start your day right. Whether you visit for a breakfast that fuels your morning or a lunch that satisfies your midday hunger, Keke’s offers an experience you won’t soon forget. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through Wellington, stop by and see what all the great reviews are about. You’ll find meals that leave you coming back for more, because at Keke’s, every meal is a fresh start, and they can’t wait to share breakfast, brunch or lunch with you.

Visit Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in the Pointe at Wellington Green at 10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 190. To learn more, call (561) 444-2075. Place an order online for takeout, delivery or catering at www.southfloridakekes.com.

Take A Trip To Italy Without Leaving Home

Story by Matthew Auerbach | Photos by Christina Clark

Emiliano Italian Greatness, the latest concept from Wellington’s Fashion Cuisine Group, aims to bring guests on a trip to northern Italy, designed to reflect the sights, smells and tastes of a rustic Italian village. The  restaurant opened earlier this year in the Marketplace at Wycliffe.

It takes a lot of confidence and a certain amount of bravado to name a restaurant “Emiliano Italian Greatness,” now open in the Marketplace at Wycliffe.

“Emiliano?” Maybe a family member, friend or inspiration. “Italian?” Thanks for the clarification. But “Greatness?” Aren’t you placing expectations a bit too high?

Not if you can back it up, and the new restaurant has been doing a great job so far.

“Emiliano Italian Greatness only opened in March 2024, however, we have been perfecting its concept for close to a year,” explained owner Juan Gando of Fashion Cuisine Group, the restaurateur behind several other popular Wellington establishments.

“We wanted our establishment to be more than just a restaurant, but a place where the community feels at home,” he said. “When you walk through the streets of Italy, you will see people ending work and just enjoying each other’s company. You see the community, gathering around the streets to enjoy food, drinks and laughs. We knew our community would love this idea; that they had a place to be transported to Italy and its culture.”

Who wouldn’t love a journey across the Atlantic to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Italy? That’s what the folks at Emiliano have in store for you.

“I’d best describe it as a trip to a local Italian village, without the plane ticket,” Gando said. “The greens and rustic reds represent so much of what you see in a true Italian village. The arches, red clay tile and soft leather all remind you of the culture you miss from thousands of miles away. The greenery all over the restaurant reminds you of all the places in Italy that are just a person’s home and backyard, as they feed people who pass by. Emiliano was designed to be a location that transcends its location, bringing you to an entirely new one. An upscale feeling, with the tradition pouring over.”

Tradition takes a front seat at Emiliano. “It is everything,” Gando said. “Tradition is what fuels so many incredible locations within our community, and this one is no different. Every dish has a memory, and that is priceless.”

If every dish does indeed have a memory, you’ll find the northern Italian cuisine turned out by the kitchen unforgettable.

“Northern Italy is what Emiliano Italian Greatness is all about,” Gando said. “It is about being locally owned, set in a small village, with lots of culture and friendship.”

The unique tastes begin the moment you sit down.

“Our Burrata Bruschetta steals the appetizer show. It is one of our most popular appetizers, alongside our Piccola Melanzana, a very thinly sliced eggplant. It’s pan fried with our breadcrumbs. It takes time to layer, with vodka sauce, parmesan and mozzarella all-encompassing the dish. Afterward we bake it in a cast iron,” Gando explained.

He also has recommendations for your main course.

“Our Chicken Scarpariello Rigatoni is an ode to Northern Italy, while our Shrimp Scampi Risotto emulates the light lemon flair of Positano,” Gando explained.

Those are a few of the dishes that will cement your allegiance to Emiliano. Then, there are the surprise offerings that are truly unique.

“If you’re enjoying lunch with us, you must try our Neapolitan Pizza Sandwiches,” Gando said. “You can’t find them anywhere else, but they were inspired by lunches the owners enjoyed in the outskirts of Monterosso. If you are in the mood for something completely new, our Filet & Raviolo is a dinner dish you would have to try. The homemade giant ravioli is filled with caccio e peppe filling and an egg. It’s then placed on top of the filet mignon. Cutting into it creates an entirely new flavor profile to your steak that you didn’t know existed. Lastly, our pizza. It takes days to properly cure the dough. It was perfected over time, through generations of family chefs. It’s really unique to see a grandmother’s recipe now feed a community.”

Like any business bent on succeeding, the folks at Emiliano came up with a plan to help reach their goal. The plan was anything but ordinary.

“Many establishments think first what type of food they wish to create, but we chose a different route,” Gando said. “Instead, we first thought, ‘How do we want our guests to feel when they enter our establishment?’ It quickly became clear the Italian culture and cuisine would be the perfect fit for what we were trying to achieve.”

What it all comes down to is a well-loved, popular cuisine that is much more than a one-off meal. The food is made with skill and experience.

“Italian food reminds people of home,” Gando said. “It is the perfect combination of tradition, comfort and culture. Most people equate Italian food to the tradition of Sunday sauce that takes all day, a recipe that was passed down generation to generation. Italian cuisine describes comfort, because there is no better combination than pasta and cheese. The vibrancy of the culture is displayed within the food.”

For those of you who’ve been wondering, “Who’s Emiliano?”

“The name Emiliano has a familial importance to the owners, being a family name,” Gando said. “It was meant to showcase the timeless heritage we wanted to bring to Wellington. Of course, Emiliano Italian Greatness stemmed from the name Emiliano and the great Italian lineage it comes from. Not just Northern Italy, but also the great Italian ways of cooking.”

Emiliano Italian Greatness is located at 4115 S. State Road 7, Suite Z, in the Marketplace at Wycliffe. The hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with happy hour specials every day from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, call (561) 566-7580 or visit www.emilianoitalian.com.

Enjoy Tastes From Argentina And Beyond At Alacruz
New Restaurant In Wellington Puts A Focus On Tender, Fire-Grilled Steaks On A Menu That Also Includes Amazing Pasta Dishes And More

Story by Matthew Auerbach | Photos by Jacquie Porcaro Photography

Alacruz Grill has brought the tempting tastes of Argentina to Wellington. But if you’re thinking, “Isn’t that nice, a new steakhouse in the village,” you’d better slow your roll. It’s so much more than that. And trust us, in this place, they like things hot.

“We are a family-operated business, where we welcome our guests from the moment they step in, and we love to make them feel like they are coming to our house,” owner Alejandro Copley said. “Honoring our passion and love for fire, our menu was designed with that identity, where every dish on our menu has at least one ingredient that was in contact with fire.”

And that’s not all that makes Alacruz special.

“As far as we have been informed, we are the only ‘open live fire kitchen’ in Palm Beach County,” Copley explained.

The grill didn’t just pop up overnight. It took a few stops and starts until things finally fell into place.

“Alacruz Grill was a dream my whole life,” Copley said. “We decided to take the risk and move forward and open in Wellington. It was not easy; we tried for almost three years with different locations until we found, by chance, this spot. We wanted to be located inside Wellington, where we have been living for 14 years. We realized our beloved community and the West Palm Beach area were in deep need for a unique dining experience.”

Choosing Wellington as the restaurant’s home was anything but hard. It was obvious to all involved that this was the right spot to set up shop, particularly with the strong Argentine presence in Wellington’s equestrian community.

“We fell in love with the tranquility of the community and its surroundings,” Copley said. “Having grown up in close contact with horses in my hometown of Tucumán in Argentina, and as a former polo player, and my wife, Jacquie, being a former rider and jumper, we found living in an equestrian community, where horses are a constant presence, made it the perfect place for us. We wanted to give back some of that love and respect we felt. This is our legacy in Alacruz, to become a unique destination place, being grateful to our guests and giving back to our community.”

As soon as you enter Alacruz, the love of the equestrian lifestyle is evident, courtesy of Copley’s wife, who is also known for her work as an equestrian photographer.

“Jacquie was the main driver of the interior design,” Copley said. “Her photos of horses and equestrian activities give Alacruz’s ambience a unique atmosphere. You can realize it in every detail in our décor, from the lighting to the logo in our placemats and so on.”

Before digging into the mouth-watering dishes that are waiting for you, here’s the low-down on the food’s preparation. It’s called “Asado Alacruz.”

“It’s the style/technique that gauchos use in the Pampas,” Copley said. “We cook our meat on indirect heat for four to six hours. Besides the tenderness of the premium cuts we offer, the flavor from the coal we use produces a mix of cherry oak and mesquite. It’s unique.”

The atmosphere at Alacruz envelopes you as soon as you sit down at the table.

“It’s a rustic, fine-dining experience,” Copley said. “After welcoming our guests, we explain the concept of the restaurant’s DNA; to make them feel they are coming to our home. Our pursuit of excellence in service, great food, top-notch ingredients and simplicity is applied to just let them enjoy the moment. We are an elaborate kitchen, where every dish is particularly made with love. Our kitchen is driven by a very famous quote from chef François de Mélogue: ‘Cooking is purely an act of love!’”

Surely, you’ve developed quite an appetite up to this point, reading about the wonders of Alacruz Grill. Here’s a little “taste” (so to speak) of the menu.

“From our appetizers, I would recommend Empanadas Tucumanas; they are a tribute to my hometown and are a mix of hand-cut beef, boiled egg and green onion,” Copley said. “Our entrees are very much influenced by European techniques. In my case, the UK and Italy. So, besides our amazing steaks, the combination of our fresh, homemade sauces make our pastas a really good option.”

In the mood for dessert? Of course, you are. “Mr. Tango, our dulce de leche lava cake, is one of our top sellers,” he said.

Alacruz Grill is not your typical Argentinian steakhouse. But the restaurant’s roots and hoped-for success are firmly planted in a time-honored tradition.

“We believe it might be related to a combination of our passion for cooking on fire and quality steaks,” Copley said. “The asado in Argentina is truly a ceremony, and we honor that in Alacruz.”

Alacruz Grill is located in Wellington Town Square plaza at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Visit www.alacruzgrill.com or call (561) 328-0007 to learn more.

Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar Now Open In Wellington

By Matthew Auerbach

The fast-growing South Florida chain Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar has brought its proprietary Costa Rican coffee products, avocado toasts and much more to a new location in Wellington Green Square near Publix

As long as there are coffee lovers devoted to their beverage of choice, there will be coffee shops offering to fill their cups with a multitude of tasty brews. The fast-growing South Florida chain Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar has opened a new location in Wellington and is ready to brighten your day with its devotion to “the bean.”

First off, the name. Who is “Carmela?” Is she some beloved relative? A partner in the business? Perhaps an investor? Wrong on all counts.

“Carmela is a name that we chose, among many female names, to represent the woman in general — the hardworking and tireless working woman,” said Rainier Abreu, owner and founder of Carmela Coffee. “We wanted to give representation and honor the gender in general.”

This isn’t just a politically correct move. There’s real motivation behind the creation of this character.

“The majority of our coffee pickers where our coffee is from, which is Costa Rica, happen to be women, as well, so we saw the opportunity to create this persona and this company after someone we call Carmela.”

Carmela would be happy to know that the shop bearing her name is a place that affords customers a welcoming vibe. When you arrive, you’ll leave your stress at the door.

“It’s a place for people to go and relax and spend time and play games and read a book and share moments with other members of the community,” Rainier said. “It’s a casual dining concept. It’s meant to be a home away from home where customers can share a life event, enjoy food and coffee in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.”

No matter what the atmosphere is when you’re enjoying your coffee, you want what you’re sipping on to be top quality. After all, one of the biggest perks (sorry) about going one-on-one with a cup of Joe is that first taste; that eye-closing “ahh” feeling. You’ll get that feeling when you visit Carmela Coffee in Wellington.

“We own the farm in Costa Rica where we bring the coffee from, so we grow the soil, and we grow the beans,” Rainier said. “We don’t source coffee. It is a proprietary for Carmela, and we’re pretty proud of that. It’s a very high-quality coffee. We take care of everything, from the growing of the plant to the harvesting of it, to the whole process of dried coffee, roasted coffee and, finally, serving it. We have just one type of coffee at our store, the coffee from our farm in Costa Rica.”

Nevertheless, there’s a lot to choose from at Carmela Coffee. We’ll help you get a head start on your order.

“We focus mostly on coffee and beverages,” Rainier said. “We do have teas made from loose tea leaves. We have coconut lemonade and regular lemonade, as well. You’ll find bowls, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches here. We get our bread delivered daily from a local baker.”

Sounds great, right? Wait until you learn about the top seller.

“Outside of our coffee, our customers come back again and again for our Avocado Toast,” Rainier said. “We have eight different varieties. Our best seller is the Caprese (avocado, mozzarella, grape tomatoes, basil oil and balsamic glaze). The Breakfast (avocado, poached egg, bacon and cheddar cheese) and the Smoked Salmon and Egg (avocado, salmon, poached egg and truffle oil) are two of my personal favorites.”

If Avocado Toast is not your thing, there are a variety of other toast options, as well as brunch and lunch choices to fit any diet.

Carmela Coffee dates back to when its first store opened in Parkland in 2018. Folks may already be acquainted with Carmela Coffee from nearby locations in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Wellington has been on the company’s radar for a long time.

“Wellington had been a very strategic community that we wanted to be part of and bring the Carmela experience to this community, as we had been able to do in other communities,” Rainier said. “We see Wellington as a natural fit, and we wanted to just present ourselves to the residents.”

Now that Carmela Coffee is operating in the village, Wellington residents have a place to go to cool off, kick back and enjoy some of finest coffee (and other delights) around.

“You can expect an extension of your home where you feel safe and comfortable,” Rainier said. “Come enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, have lunch or brunch, or simply connect with friends and loved ones.”

The store is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar is located in Wellington Green Square at 10630 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 60, near the newly opened Publix store. For more information, call (561) 729-0522 or visit www.carmelacoffee.com.

Healthy Food Options Served Up Fast At 3Natives

By Matthew Auerbach

3Natives Acai and Juicery, which opened last year in Wellington’s Town Square shopping plaza, specializes in smoothies and acai bowls, but also offers coffee products and a wide array of salads, wraps, toasts, cold-pressed juices and more.

Everyone is looking to eat “healthy.” The definition of the word differs slightly from person to person, depending on particular tastes and favorite foods, but generally speaking, folks want to consume dishes and drinks that are fresh, clean and made from reliable sources. And if you can get them what they’ve ordered in a short amount of time, that would be even better.

That’s where 3Natives Acai and Juicery comes in.

“3Natives is a Florida-born healthy restaurant chain that strives to make healthy food, fast and more convenient to enjoy,” explained Darren Jacob, franchise owner of the Wellington location, which opened in 2023. “Each member of the Wellington 3Natives team is dedicated to being knowledge about different supplements and ingredients, while serving and providing a positive environment to all customers.”

Jacob knows that these days, people are busier than ever. Whether they’re coming in for a sit-down meal or picking up something to bring back home or to the office, the quality and the timing has to be spot-on.

“More and more customers are determined to ‘go healthy’ these days, even when they grab and go,” Jacob said. “At 3Natives, we work with local suppliers to ensure that we are only using the freshest fruit and vegetables available, and our recipes are created to showcase the flavors of these sourced items. We work hard so our customers can reap the benefits.”

The menu is ample, and includes smoothies, salads, wraps, toasts, cold-pressed juices and, in his own opinion, “the best acai bowls around.”

“Our most popular items are some of our classics,” Jacob said. “From our acai bowls, there’s the Chronic Bowl (acai, granola, banana, strawberry, kiwi, pineapple, coconut shavings and honey) and the Local Bowl (acai, granola, banana, strawberry, blueberry and honey). Out of our dozen smoothies, the Chuck Norris (strawberry, banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein and almond milk) is a good pre- or post-workout out smoothie to fuel you up or help you recover, and our All Hopped Up (coffee, banana, almond butter and chocolate protein) features an in-house cold brew.”

If you’re looking for something to seriously chew, 3Natives also has you covered.

“Our Chicken Caesar Wrap (chicken breast, romaine, cabbage, croutons, pico de gallo, Parmesan cheese, sprouts and Caesar dressing) or Thai Chicken Wrap (chicken breast, romaine, cabbage, carrot, pineapple, sprout and ginger dressing) is guaranteed to satisfy,” Jacob said.

From the salads, he recommends the Cobb with chicken breast, romaine, cabbage, cucumber, pico de gallo, hard-boiled egg, avocado, red onion, feta cheese, sprouts and balsamic vinaigrette.

“Everyone loves our Protein Toast, which is an elevated Avocado Toast,” Jacob said. “For breakfast, I would recommend the Breakfast Burrito, hot and pressed with chicken breast, hard-boiled egg, pico, corn salsa, Kerry Gold cheese, cayenne pepper and avocado ranch dressing.”

The diverse menu is basically consistent at the various 3Natives locations across South Florida, but the Wellington location does offer a few items that aren’t available in most other stores.

“The Wellington location is one of the few stores that also offers espresso-based beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos, using locally roasted coffee, and we also are one of the only stores that offers fresh-pressed wheatgrass,” Jacob said.

3Natives knows that many local residents are already into living a healthier existence and are aware of the kinds of foods they’re looking for. They’re also committed to helping those who are new to the lifestyle.

“We only use fresh fruits and vegetables, our chicken is raised without antibiotics, and we try to make everything in-house whenever possible,” Jacob said. “Our smoothies and acai bowls are perfect options for parents looking to introduce more healthy food options to their children.”

The name 3Natives refers to the three native Floridians who started the organization, which has since expanded to dozens of locations, mostly in Florida, but also in four other states.

“They were high school friends who were born and raised in Tequesta around the sun and the surf,” Jacob said of the founders. “The menu was inspired by their healthy and active lifestyle. It was fresh juices to start their day, followed by simple and fresh food options.”

He has wanted to bring the 3Natives concept to Wellington for years.

“After opening my first location in West Palm Beach back in 2020, I knew my next location must be in Wellington,” Jacob said. “There is a different vibe and energy in Wellington. You have a beautiful mix of people: locals, equestrians, students, tourists and industry leaders.”

3Natives in Wellington is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It is located in Wellington’s Town Square shopping plaza at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 8. For more info., call (561) 360-2385 or visit www.3natives.com.

Enjoy Your Breakfast And Lunch At Skillets

Get a wide variety of delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch items at Skillets, which opened last month in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops. Try out the fast-growing chain’s signature skillets, or one of the many other tasty menu items.

Rise and shine Wellington… an iconic breakfast experience is now being served! Skillets has officially opened its 16th location in Florida, right in the heart of Wellington in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace.

This is Skillets Restaurants’ third location on the east coast of Florida, joining its Boca Raton and Delray Beach restaurants. This brand-new location features Skillets’ signature homemade and nutritious breakfast and lunch items. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant seats 195 guests and has 25 dedicated employees.

“As we expand in Palm Beach County, the Wellington area is an ideal fit,” Skillets CEO Joe DiGangi said. “This equestrian and family-centric area has many early risers looking for a quality breakfast experience. Wellington will fall in love with our great breakfast and lunch food choices and seasonal menu. Skillets Restaurants become a gathering space where flavors come alive, and memories are made. We look forward to serving our guests with passion and dedication. We want to thank Wellington for graciously welcoming Skillets into the community.”

In 1995, Ross and Noreen Edlund started their first Skillets in Naples. Now, they have five locations in Naples alone and have expanded across Florida. Their mission from the beginning has been to prepare homemade, delicious and nutritious breakfasts and lunches from scratch with top-notch, friendly and efficient service in inviting and comfortable surroundings.

“We have had great success on the west coast, with Skillets being a common household name, and we could not be more excited about the early success of our restaurants in Boca and Delray,” Skillets founder Ross Edlund said. “Wellington is a great addition to our Palm Beach expansion. We hope to become a staple in the Wellington community and look forward to feeding generations of families there.”

Skillets’ truly unique offerings make it stand out from the rest when it comes to breakfast. It is naturally most famous for its homemade, extensive choice of skillets, offering a variety of ingredients and sides crafted for the ultimate flavor experience. Guests will also find breakfast classics elevated by thoughtful sourcing and best-in-class cooking techniques on the menu, including international favorites like crepes and Skillets’ famous scones. Skillets even offers gluten-free waffles, pancakes and other health-forward options that align with Blue Zones criteria for a better and longer life.

Leading off the menu are the restaurant’s signature skillets, in several variations, layered with Skillets Potatoes oven-baked to a golden brown, topped with two eggs and a choice of toast, scone or biscuit. Also popular are the pancakes, available in buttermilk, stone-ground whole-grain or gluten-free, or the tasty potato pancakes, made from scratch and always light, lacy and crispy brown.

There are also a number of vegetarian options, such as Noreen’s Breakfast with steamed spinach, grilled tomato slices, topped with sliced avocado and chopped chives, served with a poached egg, toast and fruit. Other popular choices are the omelets, frittatas, eggs benedict, French toast, waffles, crepes and blintzes. Lunch offerings include an array of sandwiches, paninis, wraps and salads.

Skillets Wellington has created a charity partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Wellington. “This organization is not only beloved in the community but known for its outstanding work with children, and we are so excited to be able to support their club in Wellington, the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club,” Skillets founder Noreen Edlund said.

The club was the beneficiary of Skillets’ grand opening held Tuesday, July 9, which also kicked off their Kids Eat Free program, available at all Skillets locations every Tuesday. Skillets Restaurants also supports the Child Advocacy Agency at all locations year-round.

Since 1995, Skillets has provided guests with delicious food and friendly service in a clean, inviting, pine-accented environment. Envisioned by Ross and Noreen Edlund, the goal was to create a restaurant that offered the local community higher quality comfort food and personal service than diners and restaurant chains. Using only premium ingredients, Skillets serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 16 locations in Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Bradenton, South Sarasota, Venice, Bonita Springs, Lely, Wellington, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Port Charlotte.

Skillets of Wellington is located in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace. For more information, call (561) 660-8304 or visit www.skilletsrestaurants.com.

Enjoy Quick And Healthy Snacks And Treats At Fresh Mangos

For something healthy and very satisfying, visit Fresh Mangos, now open in the Mall at Wellington Green. The new Wellington location is the fifth South Florida outpost for this locally owned chain.

You can work up quite an appetite during a day of shopping. If you’re looking to dive into something healthy and tasty during a break in your buying, head on over to Fresh Mangos. The company recently opened its fifth South Florida location in the Mall at Wellington Green.

Fresh Mangos began as a way to fill a need for shoppers.

“We observed that malls had very few, if any, healthy snack options for their customers,” owner Jessica Tafur said. “If someone is hungry while in the mall, they have to eat some kind of junk food or high-carb or high-sugar snack. We decided to change that and offer something healthy and delicious.”

Fresh Mangos has been around since 2018, when the first Fresh Mangos opened at the Palm Beach Outlets (now the Tanger Outlets). Since then, they’ve developed a menu that’s hard to beat.

“Now we have mangos with more than 20 topping choices, depending on the location, up to four varieties of natural juice, frozen drinks, açaí and pitaya bowls, smoothie bowls, parfaits, fruit bowls, energizing teas, boba tea and more,” Tafur said.

If you like to eat your mangos sliced, you’re in the right place.

“The five sliced mango options on the menu were actually the clients’ top five combinations,” she said. “We decided to name the most popular combinations and put them on the menu for convenience, and to make the ordering process faster.”

You can choose between the Classic, Mexican Spicy, Flavor Explosion, Sweet Temptation or the Build Your Own, each with their own particular toppings, to satiate your mango mania.

As for which offerings are among customers’ favorites, it’s a question of where and who.

“This really depends on the mall we are in and the demographic of our customers,” Tafur said. “But in general, besides the mangos with toppings, the smoothies and açaí, pitaya and smoothie bowls are very popular.”

What, then, is the magic of the mango? Apparently, it all comes down to its adaptability.

“Mangos are one of those fruits that grow in just about every continent and are enjoyed in so many different ways,” Tafur said. “In Latin America alone, there are many ways of eating this fruit. Some like it green with salt and lime, others ripe and sweet, still others like to add hot sauce or sweet condensed milk. Travel to Asia, where it is eaten with sticky rice and cilantro, and then North America, where it is enjoyed ripe and in smoothies and drinks. The possibilities with mangos are quite vast.”

Fresh Mangos is well-aware that time is of the essence. Maybe you’re on a lunch break, maybe you’ve only got a few minutes to spare and need something to “grab and go.” Not only are they ready for you, but Fresh Mangos is also dedicated to making sure whatever you’re buying will keep you in the game.

“We like to think of ourselves as healthy fast food,” Tafur said. “We have our fruit ready to go, our juice is in the dispensers, and everyone has been trained in the most efficient way of preparing everything, so we can get our customers taken care of quickly. We are not as fast as a drive-through, since everything is made to order, but we do our best to be quick.”

Fresh Mangos and the Mall at Wellington Green is a match made in commercial heaven. They’d been waiting to set up shop in Wellington for a while, and finally, all the stars aligned.

“We have been wanting to open in this mall for years, but for several reasons, that was not possible,” Tafur said. “Many of our customers would come to our Tanger Outlet location in West Palm Beach and ask us if we would open in Wellington. We finally did! We are a bit hidden, but you can find us on the first floor, in front of California Pizza Kitchen. The clients of Wellington also deserve a healthy snack alternative.”

Check out Fresh Mangos during your next visit to the Mall at Wellington Green, and you — and everyone with you — will come away happy.

“We do not just have to be a snack, we have sandwiches and crepes as well for a larger meal,” Jessica said. “We have many families stop by, and everyone finds something on the menu that they like. Parents are happy their kids got a healthy snack, and kids are happy with their snack. Young adults and teens can also find something to their liking, usually smoothies or frozen drinks or boba tea. For our clients who like to work out, we have protein smoothies and zero sugar energizing teas. We have something for everyone.”

Fresh Mangos is located on the lower level of the Mall at Wellington Green across from California Pizza Kitchen and near Dillard’s. For more information, visit www.myfreshmangos.com.

Fresh, Healthy Mediterranean Bowls Made To Order At Olive U

By Joshua Manning

While fast food is convenient, it’s often unhealthy. Olive U Mediterranean Grill, now open in Wellington, aims to change that. The chain of fast casual restaurants serves fresh and healthy choices, starting with their signature, hand-crafted Mediterranean bowls.

Olive U Mediterranean Grill invites you to “live the fresh life” at its new location on State Road 7 in front of the plaza with Whole Foods Market in Wellington.

Olive U takes fast casual Mediterranean dining to a whole new level, featuring a menu of ingredients to make personalized bowls for lunch or dinner.

“We use top-quality ingredients with no shortcuts,” said owner Abdul Aburmaieleh, who created the concept seven years ago and has plans to expand throughout the South Florida area. “Our culture entails our customer service. People are greeted at the door and feel welcomed. When they taste our food, they are wowed.”

Customers can mix and match from a wide array of flavorful combinations. Olive U specializes in gyros, salads and their signature, hand-crafted Mediterranean-flavored bowls, which start under $12.

When you arrive at Olive U, the first thing you’ll do is choose the base for your bowl from choices such as lettuce, pita, hummus, cinnamon rice, or lentils and rice. Next, you’ll choose your protein from among the seasoned Olive U chicken, chicken shawarma, falafel, beef and lamb gyro, or tofu.

There is also an array of toppings to choose from, such as lettuce, onions, pickles, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, banana or jalapeño peppers, feta cheese, garbanzo beans and Kalamata olives. Finally, choose from among several sauce toppings.

“We use all natural spices. No preservatives. It’s a place where you eat and feel good about it. Healthy food does not have to be boring,” Aburmaieleh explained. “I believe in the concept of garden to table. That is where all of our ingredients come from. We just cut it and serve it.”

Looking for something more? You can add an appetizer to your meal. Choices include hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, spicy feta, falafel, grape leaves and fries. Can’t decide? Put together three to build your own appetizer plate.

After, save room for a piece of sweet, taste-tempting baklava to finish your meal.

With a background in law enforcement, Aburmaieleh owned Mediterranean restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, before moving to Florida in 2014. He created Olive U because the market for Mediterranean food is growing.

“It is very clean and associated with healthy foods,” Aburmaieleh said. “That’s why it is gaining popularity, because you are focusing on what Mediterranean food encompasses, whether it is the olive oil or vegetables.”

Not sure how to put together your bowl? He has a recommendation.

“I love the chicken shawarma or the Olive U chicken with cinnamon rice and the house sauce,” Aburmaieleh said, who also enjoys a side order of hummus with his meal. “Also, I personally think our gyro on pita with the sauce is game winning.”

There are also family meal options and catering available. If you’re looking for a healthy meal to bring home for dinner, the Olive U Family Dinners include a choice of bases and proteins, plus five fresh toppings, and include a hummus and pita appetizer, as well as the signature house sauce — all for just $49.

The restaurant features a crisp, modern look with plenty of indoor seats, as well as a few tables outside in front of the store. Takeout and delivery are available. Cleanliness is a point of pride with Aburmaieleh, as is having a friendly, welcoming staff ready to go above and beyond for customers.

Olive U Wellington is one of five current locations of this growing food concept. There are also two in Boca Raton, one in Delray Beach and one in Palm Beach Gardens.

“I was fascinated by the Chipotle concept, and I wanted to create a similar service with authentic Mediterranean food, which is my background,” said Aburmaieleh, who will be opening a West Boynton location on Hagen Ranch Road this summer before shifting focus to Pembroke Pines, Plantation and Davie in Broward County. “Our four-year plan calls for 17 more stores.”

He is excited about the reception Olive U has received in the Wellington market.

“I love Wellington. I used to live here. Based on the demographics, I knew that Olive U would do so well,” Aburmaieleh said. “We have had nothing but wonderful feedback from customers. It was our best opening.”

He invites everyone who hasn’t been to the store yet to come by and “feel the love.”

“My philosophy at Olive U is always to give the customer the best, high-quality ingredients and never take shortcuts,” he said. “This is how we want to be different. When people hear the name Olive U, they think of three things — quality, friendliness and great food.”

Olive U Wellington is located at 2535 S. State Road 7, Suite 130. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more, call (561) 500-5010 or visit www.oliveugrill.com.

A Unique Take On Indian Street Food

Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, which opened recently in Royal Palm Beach, is the latest venture by the owners of the popular Aroma Indian Cuisine in West Palm Beach. Masala Mantra brings a modern twist to the street foods of India.

Expanding the local culinary scene, a unique take on Indian street food has arrived in the western communities with the recent opening of Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, a family-owned restaurant located in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza.

The menu showcases the essence of Indian culinary artistry, fusing traditional flavors with innovative twists that redefine the street foods of India, creating a modern and dynamic dining experience.

Masala Mantra distinguishes itself through contemporary twists on traditional Indian flavors and dishes, and the creative story behind its design is conceptualized by Hridaan Patel, the young son of owners Purnima and Krunalbhai Patel.

Using the video game Minecraft, Hridaan helped create the restaurant’s unique ambiance, capturing the vibrancy of India’s streets with a playful, modern twist, and offering a dining experience that is as visually engaging as it is delicious.

Krunalbhai describes Masala Mantra as more than a restaurant.

“This is an immersive journey into the essence of Indian street food, re-envisioned through a contemporary lens,” he explained. “Each dish is crafted to narrate a story, blending tradition with innovation in a manner designed to surprise and delight our patrons and their palates.”

Masala Mantra’s unique ambiance sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure. Hridaan’s vision demonstrates how traditional elements can be creatively reinterpreted to blend with Krunalbhai and Purnima’s fresh and innovative perspective on Indian cuisine.

Dishes include entrée favorites such as jini dosa, biryani, chicken lollipops and stuffed mushrooms, and desserts like chocolate samosa.

“Every dish is rich in tradition yet infused with a contemporary twist that I believe will delight and surprise our guests,” Krunalbhai said. “It’s not just about dining; it’s about embarking on a flavorful journey that pays homage to India’s diverse and rich culinary heritage.”

Masala Mantra is the latest venture by the owners of Aroma Indian Cuisine in West Palm Beach. While Aroma focuses on traditional Indian dishes, Masala Mantra brings a modern twist to the street foods of India.

“We grew up savoring these delightful dishes in India, and we’re delighted to share our favorite timeless classics with everyone,” Krunalbhai said. “From popular Indian street food snacks like Basket Chaat and Lamb Khaldale, to the beloved classic dish Butter Chicken, our menu offers a variety of flavors to enjoy. To complete your dining experience, indulge in desserts like Walnut Halwa, and my personal favorite, Sizzling Brownie.”

The Patel family is excited to be bringing their vision of Indian cuisine to the diverse and growing western communities.

“My wife, Purnima, and I chose to open an Indian restaurant in the Royal Palm Beach area due to its pleasant neighborhood and strategic location, embodying the community atmosphere we wished to highlight,” Krunalbhai said.

A well-attending grand opening event was held in January, he added.

“We have been overwhelmed by the warm reception and enthusiasm from the community,” Krunalbhai said. “It has been a joy to see so many faces, new and familiar, embarking on this gastronomic journey with us. Our goal has always been to celebrate the spirit of Indian street food through a modern lens.”

A great time to explore this new dining option is on Mother’s Day, when Masala Mantra will be offering an exploration of Indian-inspired libations and culinary creations. Throughout the special day, all mothers can enjoy a complimentary cocktail with the purchase of any menu item to complement their experience.

From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch including bottomless cocktails (complimentary for mothers) from brunch or lunch offerings, such as Egg Burji, Grilled Paneer Sandwich and Chocolate Dosa with Banana. You can also visit from 5 to 10 p.m. to indulge in timeliness Indian classics like Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, a variety of naan flavors and more.

When visiting Masala Mantra, you will be able to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the cuisine while savoring expertly crafted cocktails. Discover the perfect pairing of food and drink from a variety of signature cocktails ($13) including: Masala Guava, a chili-infused Tito’s vodka with triple sec, guava and lime; Mango Margarita, a chili-influenced tequila with mango puree and lime; and Kalakhatta Mojito, an Indian version of a classic cocktail with gin, blackberry, black salt and mint.

Restaurant hours are Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Masala Mantra is also available for private events.

Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine is located at 11051 Southern Blvd., Unit 210, in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza. For more information, call (561) 328-7497 or visit www.masalamantraroyalpalmbeach.com.