The G Spot: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Jaclyn Stapp Kicks Off 'Wacky Jacky' Book Tour

Sometimes we step out of the box as PR professionals, advising our clients on projects that don't necessarily fall within our usual scope of duties. But when we say the Gab Group is full-service, we mean it. And every time we go all-out for our clients, no matter how far we venture out of our usual comfort zone, our efforts pay off.

In this case, the project was the debut children's book for celebrity author Jaclyn Stapp, former Miss New York USA, mentor, philantropist, mother, and wife to Grammy Award-winning artist Scott Stapp. Just over a year ago, Jaclyn shared with us her desire to write her own children's book. We listened, took action, and just this past Friday, kicked off the official book tour for Wacky Jacky: The True Story of An Unlikely Beauty Queen, Jaclyn's semi-autobiographical tale that teaches children "you don't need a crown to sparkle."

About 20 girls gathered for the private book launch at Le Petite Youth Spa in North Miami Beach, getting pampered with updo's, sweet makeup and mani's in the beyond-adorable children's spa. Scott Stapp was on-site supporting his wife as she read her story, let the girls try on her pageant crown one by one, and signed a copy for each of the girls, all of whom had lots of questions for the beauty queen.

For more information about Wacky Jacky or to purchase your own copy, visit http://www.wackyjackybooks.com/. Plus, get Jaclyn's exlusive photos and up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wackyjackybooks.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Artopia 2011 | Behind the Scenes

The art vanguard gathered at Il Bacio Restaurant & Lounge last night for Artopia 2011, a stylish kaleidoscope of South Florida's culture and fashion scene. Outside on the lush courtyard, 12 MasterMinds finalists displayed their art, guests indulged on decadent crème brulée and sipped Zywiec beer and cucumber-infused Hendrick's Gin, and DJ Brett the Hitman provided the high-energy soundtrack that set the tone for the evening. Inside the Red Room, body-paint split artist Erin Barylski, as seen on America's Got Talent, flipped her paint-covered body onto a large floor spread that would become her rainbow-colored canvas. Meanwhile, chiseled Butlers in the Buff made their rounds through the crowd, offering guests an eyeful of their shirtless physiques as well as trays of hors d'œuvres from Prime and Il Bacio.

While all of this was going on, Gab was backstage and down the street at Naked Hair Salon, busily directing the festivities and assisting the models, who were having their hair styled with signature avant garde creations, bohemian waves, braids, and the evening's defining free-flowing texture. When showtime rolled around, the models were styled to perfection, taking to the runway in globally inspired Charli Girls fashions: collar bone-grazing feather earrings, flowing dresses, bikinis, and tribal accessories.

Check out our behind-the-scenes photos from Artopia 2011, presented by The Gab Group and New Times Broward Palm Beach:

Special thanks to Artopia 2011 sponsors, Il Bacio Restaurant & Lounge, PRIME Delray, Naked Hair Salon, Charli Girls, The Electric Experience, and Zywiec Original Beer.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Top 3 Brunch Eats From Delray Beach to Boca Raton

We can brunch with the best of 'em.

That's why we're always on the lookout for the next best brunch spots - places that go beyond the usual buffet fare and deliver an experience that is the undisputed highlight of your weekend. This weekend, kick up your heels and taste the best of what our Top 3 Palm Beach County picks have to offer.

You can thank us later.

Piñon Grill
Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Piñon Grill was recently awarded 4 Stars by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and it it was possible to be awarded 4 Stars for brunch alone, they probably would have snagged that as well.

Piñon Grill’s gourmet Brunch menu, priced from $6 to $18, defies the usual eggs-n-bacon experience. Their “Make Your Own” Skillet Scrambler, made with three whole eggs or egg whites, allows you to choose from adventurous fillings like Beef Brisket, Gulf Shrimp, Pulled Chicken, and American Bacon, vegetables including asparagus, spinach, onions, red pepper, mushrooms, and cheeses such as white cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, cheddar, and American.

In a Brunch take on their famous Crab Cakes, the Crab Benedict is two mini crab cakes served on fresh-baked biscuits, topped with poached eggs, and finished with a hollandaise sauce and served with asparagus and home fried potatoes. Have a hankering for a southern favorite? Try their Shrimp and Grits, butterflied shrimp sautéed with asparagus and country ham, finished with a mildly spicy cream sauce and served with white cheddar grits. Or, go all out with Steak Benedict, two 2 oz. filet medallions sautéed and served on fresh-bakes biscuits, topped with poached eggs and finished with hollandaise sauce and served with asparagus and home fried potatoes.

The real piece de resistance, we think, is the Piñon French Toast, thick brioche bread dipped in French toast batter and rolled granola, cooked on the griddle and sprinkled with strawberries blueberries and bananas, topped with bacon and served with a side of syrup. Cozy up in a booth inside, or dine al fresco on their ivy-covered patio.

Pinon Grill

The Terrace at Town Center (Right next door to Blue Martini)
6000 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL
http://www.pinongrill.com/
Become a Facebook Fan! Search 'Pinon Grill' at http://www.facebook.com/

Deck 84

Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m.

There's waterfront brunch, then there's the Deck 84 version of waterfront brunch. If you've dined at Deck 84 for lunch or dinner, you already know that their gorgeous Intracoastal views make everything taste even better.

Kick off your Saturday or Sunday with the Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, made with Absolut vodka, and choose from more than 20 ingredients to custom create your perfect cocktail. Take it a step further and throw in add-ons like grilled shrimp skewers and homemade beef jerky.

With your taste buds properly prepped for brunch, try one of their inventive dishes cooked to order. For around $7 to $11, feast on Crab Quiche, Nova Smoked Salmon Flatbread, Broccoli and Gruyere Quiche, Boaters Breakfast, Scrambled Eggs with Nova smoked salmon and goat cheese, and Deck Benedict with spinach and crab hollandaise. They also have standbys like Cinnamon and Raisin French Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict, McCann’s Irish Oatmeal with walnuts, sun-dried berries and brown sugar, and a Greek Non-Fat Yogurt Parfait with strawberries, figs and honey.

Deck 84

840 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(Adjacent to the bridge where Atlantic Ave. meets the Intracoastal)
Call: (561) 665-8484
http://www.deck84.com/
Become A Fan! www.facebook.com/deck84

PRIME Delray
Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Situated on a primo Atlantic Avenue corner, this is a can't-miss brunch for the see-and-be-seen crowd.

When you've had your fill of people-watching and PRIME's opulent atmosphere (think modern day Boardwalk Empire) choose from any of their freshly prepared sweet or savory items, including decadent pancakes, waffles and baked goods, sandwiches, pnainis, entrees, as well as a full wine and cocktail list.

Start with Seasonal Soups, a Maryland Style Crab Cake or the Beef Carpaccio. The menu is expansive, and there's an omelet of frittata for everyone, such as the Maine Lobster Omelet with artichokes, tarragon and tomatoes or Isle of Capri Frittata with rock shrimp, roasted peppers and melted mozzarella. And, be advised, they call their Buttermilk Pancakes "Delray's Best," offering a choice of fruit or chocolate chips and pure Vermont maple syrup, honey butter or fruit preserves on the side.

If you've already had breakfast, more lunch-centric options include Prime’s Nicoise Salad with Ahi tuna, Bibb lettuce, olives, and roasted peppers, Entrees like Wagyu Skirt Steak, Chicken Francaise and Pan-Roasted Scottish Salmon, or Sandwiches and Panini including Woodgrilled Chicken Paillard and a Chop Steak Burger Platter. Cocktails and red and white wines by the glass are also available.

PRIME Steak Sushi Seafood

110 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Call: (561) 865-5845
Visit: http://www.primedelray.com/
Search 'Prime Delray' on http://www.facebook.com/

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

New Times Broward Palm Beach & The Gab Group Present ARTOPIA in Delray Beach

Like most of South Florida, we've been counting down the days left until the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (there are 9, in case you're wondering). Luckily, we have an amazing event to hold us over that's just around the corner!

Next Wednesday, Feb. 23, New Times Broward Palm Beach and The Gab Group present Artopia, a fashion-forward night of art, culture and entertainment hosted at the Ave's party central, Il Bacio Restaurant & Lounge.

From 7 to 11 p.m., we'll be checking out the area's best collection of artists, all-night performances, incredible fashions, art and culture vendors, and a live Charli Girls fashion runway show featuring stylings by Naked Hair Salon.

Here's a small preview of what's going down at Artopia:

~ Complimentary appetizer tastings provided by PRIME Delray and Il Bacio Restaurant & Lounge - yum.

~ Creative cocktail specials and free liquor samplings by Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Hendrick's Gin, and beer by Zywiec

~ Exclusive fashion runway shows presented by Charli Girls and Naked Hair Salon

~ Sounds by DJ Brett the Hitman

~ Live bands

~ Dance performances by Emagination Creative Group

~ Film screening by Dawn Dubriel Mark Moormann

~ Visual art by Amanda Linton, Carol Prusa, Christina Patterson, Independent Working Artist Network, Leah Brown, Louise Erhard, Maciel Vargas, Michael Pucciarelli, Renda Writer, and Sinisa Kukec

~ The chance to win an exclusive Butler in the Buff giveaway (you know you want it!)

~ On-site vendors including Tondre Interiors & Design Studios, Creme Brulee Bakeshop Cafe, Scrub & Tan, Acqua Panna, Sips n Strokes, Hazy Daze, Avenue Smooth Skin, and American Continental University.

~ Awards and grants ceremony

Special thanks to Artopia 2011 sponsors, Naked Hair Salon, Charli Girls, The Electric Experience, and Zywiec Original Beer.

Will we be seeing you there? What are you most looking forward to seeing? Let us know at events@thegabgroup.com or give us a ring at 561-750-3500. Remember, ages 21 and up only.

See you at Artopia!

Location:

Il Bacio Restaurant & Lounge

29 SE 2nd Avenue, Just off of Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach, FL

Dining Reservations: 561-865-7785

Visit: http://www.ilbacioofdelray.com/

Like: www.facebook.com/ilbaciodelray