Casa Tequila: Where Margaritas Take Center Stage

Aptly named Casa Tequila makes the margarita the star of the show every night at dinner. Fresh, frosty margs come in massive glass goblets, salt around the rim, and brimming with ice. The margaritas wash down authentic Mexican cuisine, the same stuff that launched Casa Tequila into local fame back in 1989.

Bite into the fajita burrito, stuffed with rice and beans, cheese, and either steak or chicken smothered in the house's signature sauce. On top, gooey cheese, burrito sauce, and tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, and sour cream create another tasty layer. You can also chow down on fish tacos, seafood enchiladas, or fully loaded ceviche. Regulars, however, would probably recommend the fajitas, served fresh from a sizzling skillet. They're filled with your choice of fixings: veggies, shrimp, chicken, or a combination of meats. For something lighter, opt for the fajita salad. It transforms the same ingredients into a greener option.

Casa Tequila
8228 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 430-5458
www.casatequilafl.com
www.yelp.com/biz/casa-tequila-boca-raton

Pressed for Time? Try These On-the-Go Breakfasts!

Skipping breakfast can throw off your whole day, leaving you feeling hungry, lethargic, and, yes, even a little bit grumpy. Instead of forgoing your morning meal when you wake up late, ensure that you always have a healthy breakfast on hand by making these tasty meals ahead of time.

Zap It! Scrambled Eggs and Cheese [marthastewart.com]
Think that you need a lot of time to make eggs for breakfast? Think again! With this modern update on classic scrambled eggs, you can make your favorite breakfast dish right in your trusty microwave.

Peanut Butter, Strawberry and Banana Quesadillas [ambitiouskitchen.com]
Simply grill the delicious combination of natural peanut butter and fresh fruit in a classic whole grain tortilla for a sweet and creamy breakfast in just minutes. As a bonus, you can even eat this handheld breakfast on your drive to work!

Frozen Fruit Smoothie [parenting.com]
If you really just don’t have time to eat breakfast, try drinking it instead with this nutrient-rich fruit smoothie. Blend some frozen fruit, fresh orange juice, and low-fat yogurt to create a sippable breakfast that you can enjoy on your morning commute. Try adding a spoonful of flax or even some oats before blending!

Take a Spin on the Carousel at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton

Sugar Sand Park isn't your average outdoor space. Yes, there's a playground. And true, it's home to many winding nature trails—the Sand Pine path snakes through endangered Florida scrub and the Slash Pine through pine flatwoods. But this 132-acre park in Boca Raton also plays host to some features you wouldn't expect.

The Children's Science Explorium, for example, resides within the park. Here kids can dive into the sciences via hands-on exhibits. They can learn even more while they play at the Science Playground back outside, which also features interactive opportunities for learning about science—albeit in a less structured environment. Let kids run around the wooden boardwalks and splash around in a watery play area. Most visitors also love to visit the park's carousel, which dates back to the 19th century, and seeing a show at the Willow Theatre.

Sugar Sand Park
300 S. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486
(561) 347-3900
www.sugarsandpark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-sand-park-boca-raton

Sip and Swish New Varietals at The Wine Cellar at Boynton Beach

The Wine Cellar promises its customers "handmade wines at outstanding value," and Boynton Beach regulars enthusiastically agree that this is just what you get at this popular wine shop, which stocks a solid selection of wines from the most well-known producers from around the globe.

But where The Wine Cellar really shines is in its selection of wines from small, family-run wineries that you may never have heard of before entering the store. The store's owners actively seek out niche wines that are made by premium, boutique-style producers in small, artisanal batches. One of the pleasures of buying wine in a shop like this is the opportunity to chat with the knowledgeable and friendly owners as you're in the process of discovering new favorites.

Complimentary tastings every Thursday evening are a good way to try out a few wines before purchasing!

The Wine Cellar at Boynton Beach
1500 Gateway Boulevard
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 742-2376
www.thewinecellarboyntonbeach.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-wine-cellar-at-boynton-beach-boynton-beach

If You’re Hungry for Ribs, Go Whole Hog at Troy’s Bar-Be-Que

Housed in a humble red roadside shack along Federal Highway in Boynton Beach, it’s easy to miss Troy’s Bar-Be-Que, especially since it’s only open Thursdays through Saturdays. Moreover, the seating accommodations are a simple red picnic table and a handful of folding chairs lined up under the front patio.

It probably won’t impress you on first sight, but regulars attest that if you take one whiff of the ribs, sliced brisket, or chicken coming off the wood-fired smokers that Troy himself is watching, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place! Yelp reviewers praise the pulled pork sandwich, tender slow-cooked ribs, sweet baked beans, and simmered collard greens.

Since seating is limited, most customers order takeout, but if you can, try to sit down under a nice shade tree and strike up a conversation with friendly strangers.

Troy’s Bar-Be-Que
1017 N. Federal Highway
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 740-1125
www.yelp.com/biz/troys-bar-be-que-boynton-beach

Just Like Mom Used to Make: Chicken Pot Pie Recipes

With its light, fluffy exterior and its thick chicken stew inside, chicken pot pie is a classic recipe that will make you feel warmer and cozier with every bite. If you want to adapt this time-honored dish for your own friends or family, here are three great recipes to show you how.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Pot Pie [foodnetwork.com]
You can be sure that the Barefoot Contessa herself will have a few things to add to such a classic dish. Ina Garten’s pot pie gets an elegant makeover with the addition of fresh parsley leaves and chicken bouillon cubes, and serving it in miniature bowls makes it even more chic.

Impossibly Easy Chicken Pot Pie [bettycrocker.com]
If you’ve been dreaming of chicken pot pie but you’re short on time, this six-ingredient recipe is the perfect solution. It uses frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and biscuit mix to make pot pie easier than ever.

The Epicurious Chicken Pot Pie [epicurious.com]
When you have the time to make the crust, chicken, and filling all from scratch, this is the recipe to use. This pot pie is perfect for a dinner party with your foodie friends, as it incorporates complex ingredients like black peppercorns, dry white wine, and dried chanterelle mushrooms along with the usual meat and veggies.

Make a Day of It at Oceanfront Park Beach

There's no shortage of beaches in the Boynton Beach area, but the largest and most popular public beach can be found at Oceanfront Park. This historic park has been open to the public since Boynton Beach was founded in the 1920s. Just a quarter mile north of Ocean Avenue on A1A, the beach is open and staffed by lifeguards during business hours every day of the year.

Though the sand and surf are the primary attractions, Oceanfront Park also has several amenities across its 12 acres, including a staffed parking lot, a renovated ocean boardwalk, separate picnic and barbecue areas, rental pavilions, a playground for the little ones, and a small concession building where you can get snacks like sandwiches, ice cream, and soda.

There are even clean and well-maintained bathrooms (including private indoor showers), so beach-goers can rinse off after swimming!

Oceanfront Park Beach
6415 North Ocean Boulevard
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 742-6565
www.boynton-beach.org/departments/parks/water_beach_access.php/#oceanfront

Get Wise to One of Boynton Beach’s Best Breakfasts at the Green Owl

The line that stretches outside of Boynton Beach's Green Owl on weekend mornings tells you all you need to know: this is one of the neighborhood’s favorite spots for breakfast and brunch! There’s nothing fancy about the space — it’s located in an unassuming strip mall, the dining room is a few simple tables and booths surrounding a counter, and the menu features straightforward diner fare, like eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes.

So why is the Green Owl so popular? Many say it's due to the service. Regulars praise the staff at the Green Owl for their efficiency and enthusiasm. That commitment to service comes from the top, as you will notice when you spot owner Matthew McKnight working the kitchen and chatting with customers.

Insider tip: this place can get pretty busy for lunch, so to beat the crowds, stop by a bit later for lunch.

Green Owl
1889 W. Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 733-0869
greenowlboynton.com

Bite Into Brick-Oven Pizza at Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant

It has been nearly 35 years since Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant first opened its doors, and during that time it has become synonymous with consistency, quality, and convenience. Tucked into a shopping plaza in between a deli and a cobbler, this family-owned Italian eatery in Boynton Beach is building its second generation of loyal customers. Mamma Mia has also made it a point to keep its kitchen staff largely unchanged over the years, and that continuity makes for a better and more reliable dining experience for everyone.

Pizza lovers embrace Mamma Mia for its array of New York-style, brick-oven-fired pizzas, in thin crust and Sicilian varieties. Specialty pizzas include the Four Seasons (ham, artichokes, mushroom, and pesto) and the Brooklyn Special (pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, bacon, peppers, and red onions). Aside from pizza, the menu features Italian-American fare classics like garlic rolls, chicken San Remo, and a decadent tiramisu.

Regulars say that the portions are generous, so be prepared to take home leftovers!

Mamma Mia Boynton
3841 West Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
(561) 369-9670
mammamiaboyntonbeach.com/restaurant

How to Squeeze Every Last Inch Out of Your Closet Space

No matter how large your closet may be, if you're a clothes horse, it can still be difficult to store everything neatly and efficiently. If you can relate, use these design-savvy tips to make your closets more organized than ever before.

  • Add drawers. You might think that dressers are meant for the outside of your closet, but adding another dresser inside the closet is a great way to create more storage space for folded items. Best of all, you can choose a cheap, non-decorative option since it will be tucked away behind closed doors.
  • Add more tension rods. If you have unused space between two closet rods, add another one using a temporary tension rod.
  • Stick adhesive hooks to the wall. The walls inside of your closet are often underutilized, so stick temporary hooks to them to create more storage space. These hooks can be used to hang jewelry, scarves, ties, or hats.
  • Organize by season. If you’re still short on storage space, switch out your closet depending on the season. Use flat boxes to store out-of-season clothes under the bed when they’re not in use.

How to Make the Most of Your Closet: 8 Easy Tips That'll Change Your Life [Teen Vogue]
Tips to Organize and Get the Most Space Out of Your Closet [Quick and Dirty Tips]
20 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom Closet [Apartment Therapy]
40 Brilliant Closet and Drawer Organizing Projects [DIY & Crafts]

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