Frank Licari, Host: Arts, culture, history,
you’ll find them all right here in the heart of West Palm Beach. From giant tortoises to
buildings covered in art and an historic dance hall poised for a comeback, I’m Frank Licari,
join us as we go Around the Corner in The Palm Beaches.
Narrator: This program is brought to you by Discover The Palm Beaches. Visit PalmBeachFL.com
for more information. [Music]
Frank: You can’t talk about West Palm Beach without mentioning Henry Flagler. The oil
tycoon called this place a veritable paradise. He built the railroads that brought people
south and the hotels for them to stay in. He decided to make Palm Beach the resort community
and West Palm Beach the place where all the locals could stay. Today, we’re going to
visit the Flagler museum. This is incredible. Tell me a little bit about
where we are right now. Tracy Kamerer, Chief Curator: Well, we’re
in Henry Flagler’s vacation home on the shores of Lake Worth.
Frank: Not bad for a vacation home. Tracy: In the early 1880’s he started buying
up railroads and developing a railroad network and building luxury hotels down in the east
coast of Florida and eventually, 1894 is when the railroad reaches what’s now West Palm
Beach. Frank: When you come through the museum you’re
basically seeing how life was back then this is all preserved right? This is all original
most of it? Tracy: Most of it is original. And the Flagler’s
would certainly recognize the place if they came back today and we use the home and the
furnishings and the works of art and the collection and the archival collections as a teaching
tool to not only tell visitors about the life of a wealthy man and his family but really
to teach visitors about the Gilded Age this great period in American history.
Frank: Sure. Tracy: And what these furnishings and these
artifacts can tell you about Americans at the time.
[Music] Frank Licari, Host: What has 300 pedals and
goes all around West Palm Beach? You guessed it! It’s SkyBike. It’s a low-cost bike
rental service and it’s available all over the city. Do you see mostly locals using this?
Will Corrente: Right now it’s mostly tourists but West Palm Beach has I believe, about 3,000
plus condo units coming in. Frank: Wow.
Will: Condo apartments. Over the next year or so that are going to be coming on line.
Frank: We’re growing West Palm, way to go! Will: So services like this, are a lot more
important to an urban dweller. Frank: Where are you located around the city?
All the hot spots? Will: Yes we have 14 locations. We’re at
Palm Beach Atlantic University, here at Bradley’s, over by Pizza Girls, up by the Chamber of
Commerce, up on Clematis by Roxy’s. Frank: But be honest after a while if I’m
driving it gives me a shock or something… you can’t ride it anymore.
Juan: Nope Frank: So I could ride this to like Miami?
Will: It’s GPS enabled. So we know where the bike is at all times
Frank: Okay so you know where I am at all times. Ugh!
Juan: Exactly. [Music]
Frank: We’re in the middle of the El Cid historical neighborhood here and what makes
it so unique compared to some of the other ones?
Nancy Pullum: Well I think each neighborhood has its own character. This neighborhood was
characterized by a lot of business people from the city living here, bank presidents,
attorneys, judges. Frank: And as I walk through the neighborhood,
the uniqueness of it is that sort of this little grid that all leads to the water, right?
Nancy: Yes Frank: You get these great views, was that
by design? Nancy: Yes it was it was the original planning.
All of the streets do run to the water there is no block….a blockage of the views of
the water. Frank: Do you see a lot of tourists come through
to sort of check out the neighborhood…are you seeing?
06: 22 Nancy: There is a lot of interest and I think the thing…the big communizer is
that our walk along the water is our park, we don’t have a park per say in this neighborhood.
Frank: Right Nancy: But it’s a linear park and it’s
well-used by the public from all over the city.
[Music] Frank: You would never know that you produce
this much food in this little space when you walk in.
Adib: Well you’re not the only one. There’s a lot of people that come here from far distances
and they say what is it? This is it? So…. Frank: Right yea. So now you make your own
pita here correct? Adib: Yes we have a pita bread bakery in the
back Frank: Fresh daily pita?
Adib: Everyday Frank: Fresh pita daily. You make your own
hummus? Adib: Yes
Frank: Tell me what kind of hummus. Adib: We make now we just started to introduce
chipotle hummus, we make traditional hummus. Frank: Any hummus I want?
Adib: Well… Frank: Just…
Adib: Basically yea Frank: If I came in here and I said I need
a hummus that tastes like honey you could probably make it.
Adib: Hahaha. Yea possible. Frank: And tell me the…. The flavor of the
foods, what regions are we talking about? Adib: It’s Mediterranean, Turkish, lots
of Greek product we have about 25 varieties of olives about 20 varieties of cheeses…
Frank: Do you get any celebrities that come in here?
Adib: Of course of course. Frank: Pick somebody…
Adib: Other than you, Mr. Frank. Frank: Other than me, yes.
Adib: We have Dr. Oz comes in here. Every time he comes to Palm Beach…
Frank: This is where he gets all of his cures? He gets all of his cures from your food?
[Music] Penny: We have been in business since 1912.
Frank: How do you do that? Share with us your secret.
Penny: You have to be able to change with the times; you have to be adaptable to the
community that you’re serving. Frank: Sure.
Penny: The items that we have here are beautiful linens that are not mass merchandise.
Frank: So you’ve got bed linens…you’ve got….
Penny: Bath towels and bathroom accessories. We have got really fun cocktail napkins. We
also have some fun soaps or candles. Frank: So if I come to your house, you would
want me to bring a bottle of wine and some soap? Is that right?
Penny: Well how about a bottle of wine and some beautiful cocktail napkins?
Frank: I think that’s good pairing. Penny: Well what do you think? Are you a back
sleeper? Frank: I sleep like Dracula. You know how
Dracula sleeps? He doesn’t move. I don’t move, my arms folded. Sometimes you got to
check my breath to see if I’m still around. This is… this is very comfy.
Penny: You like it? Frank: I do, I do can I take this one
Let me also tell you that the sheets that you’re sleeping in right now are special
Pioneer design and they also have matching towels to go with them
Frank: Tell me more Penny: And a beautiful duvet
Frank: Would you read me a story? Penny: Once upon a time…
Frank: Oh see she’s ready. Penny: Yes, I am. I used to be a kindergarten
teacher back in the day. Frank: Did you really? I used to be a kindergartener.
It’s amazing the way that works. Penny: Very good!
Frank: Well this has been a pleasure. Penny: Thank you. I enjoyed it.
Frank: Thank you. Good night. Penny: Alright, well sweet dreams
[Music] Mayor Muoio: It’s “business, life, balance.”
You can have a very successful and profitable business right here in West Palm Beach. We
have an arts and entertainment district. Our city puts on 140 events a year and balanced,
you can do it all without a lot of hassle or traffic. We love West Palm Beach! [Music] Frank: We’re here at the Virginia Philip
Wine Shop and Academy and I’m about to go to school. You started this sort of wine shop
academy tell me what got you into this in the first place
Virginia: Well, I went to hotel and restaurant school for 4 years. Loved wine started drinking
wine when I was really small my dad was Italian so little sips mixed with water.
Frank: Me too! Virginia: Exactly, high five
Frank: Yes Italians! Yes Virginia: So I always loved wine.
Frank: What am I smelling for? Virginia: Well first you’re going to look
for some fruits Frank: I’m looking for fruits?
Virginia: You’re smelling for fruits. Frank: I’m…. Oh okay
Virginia: 85% of what you taste comes from your nose actually so….
Frank: Right so once I’ve smelled it… Virginia: You’re going to hopefully get
some golden delicious apple in there Frank: I… I got that.
Virginia: Some lemon, and probably some riper pear notes
Frank: Oh that’s what I was smelling…. Virginia: Yes.
Frank: The pear notes and should I…. Virginia: Good and then we’re going to look
for oak too. Frank: We’re still looking for things?
Virginia: Now you’re going to smell the oak.
Frank: When do I get to drink? Virginia: You smell that buttery creamy note?
Frank: Oh there it is. Yeah I missed it the first time, but I got it.
Virginia: Now go ahead and drink. Frank: Ok, ok sure. Yea all of those things,
everything she just talked about went down my throat.
Virginia: Ok, so here comes the question: Frank: Your question or mine?
Virginia: No for you. If I’m serving chicken parmesan, are you going to want a white wine
with that dish? Frank: Uh no.
Virginia: Haha. So that’s why we are going to get a red wine
Frank: I’m going to want a red wine because I’m Italian. And I don’t put…. I don’t
put white wine with Italian food. Reds. Virginia: No.
Frank: There you go. Virginia: So you’re going to serve with
red wine. Frank: So smelling for all those things?
Virginia: Yep, go for it. Frank: Mmm thick!
Virginia: Thick and rich. Frank: Thick and rich wine.
Virginia: Great. Virginia: Cheers.
Frank: Cheers. [Music]
Frank: The best part about Downtown West Palm Beach is that you don’t need a car. You
can take the Downtown Trolley for free. How often do you go around the city in a day?
Frank: You’re Pokemon’ng on the Trolley? Is that cheating? Shouldn’t you be walking?
Frank: You just got here today? Couple from the UK: Yeah.
Frank: So what do you think, what do you think so far?
Couple from the UK: It’s beautiful. Frank: It’s beautiful, right? Beats the
UK, doesn’t it? Couple from the UK: Yeah!
Frank: Who’s with me? Frank: Could you teach me some salsa right
here on the Trolley? Lady on the trolley: I probably could.
Frank: Thank you. [Music]
Jen: We got tired of eating pepperoni and cheese pizza all the time. Customers would
see us eating something with like Portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers goat cheese.
Frank: And they’d go like hey how come you get to eat that and I got to eat this?
Jen: And they would say I want some of that! Frank: Right and that was it you made it
Jen: Yea. That’s really how it started Jen: We’re New York style pizza.
Frank: New York style? Jen: By the slice, you know we like to give
a little attitude when they’re coming in so we’re like eh, say it the right way,
New Yawker! Frank: That’s right. Oh yeah wow, really
authentic here. Frank: What about if I got to make a pizza
today? Jen: I think you should try to toss one
Phoebe: Would you like to? Yea! Frank: Let’s do it, let’s toss a pizza!
Jen: Alright! Frank: Am I doing it right?
Phoebe: Yea. Put it over your hands like this… Frank: Yeah, yeah, yeah… I’ve seen that.
Phoebe: You’re going to really hit it hard so that it stretches
Phoebe: Oh you’re a pro Frank: Woah that’s not working
Jen: Try to toss it up in the air Frank: Woah! That’s not bad.
Jen: Watch your knuckles. Frank: Made with my own hand. Home of the
Frank! [Music]
In the heart of West Palm Beach on Clematis Street there’s a street art revolution going
on. Let’s meet some of the artists behind making the mundane into the magnificent. We’re
here with Tannika James of the Downtown Development Authority and Eddie Mendietta one of the artists
responsible for all of this, right? What do we call this? Is it street art, is it tagging?
Is it… because it used to be graffiti but it’s not anymore. This is art, this is like
a full blown… Eddie Mendietta: I call it street art. Graffiti
is something different it’s more letter style.
Frank: Yeah. Now is it all and again, I’m a novice at this, is it spray painted?
Eddie: Yeah. This is all spray paint. Frank: All spray paint. Fantastic. So tell
me about the experience. I mean you walk up to what seems to be a white wall, a canvas
I mean, its three stories high. Is that overwhelming to you as an artist?
Eddie: No I prefer working large. It’s actually easier to me.
Frank: Go big or go home, that’s what he’s saying. The fact that you can create something
recognizable this big, to me, it’s amazing. So you’re bringing… I’m going to imagine
that families come here with kids. It’s a great way to introduce art to kids, right?
Eddie: I like the fact that, you know, public art is for everyone to see. You know most
people don’t go to galleries, museums. But you can’t not see a huge piece like this.
Frank: Sure, you can’t miss this! [Music]
Frank: When you’re out and about sometimes you’ve got to do some shopping. And one
of the hot spots in West Palm Beach is City Place. There are restaurants, shops, there’s
a movie theater, a comedy club and everything you need for a little night on the town. Check
out City Place everybody. [Music]
Frank: We’re about to go into one of my favorite places in the world: A theater. It’s
actually it’s a theatrical school. It’s called the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of
the Arts here in West Palm right near City Place. Students from all over the world come
here to study acting, dance, music and singing. We’re going to go have some fun. Let’s
do it! [Music]
Frank: Tell me a little about what’s going on in this classroom, what’s everyone working
on? What’s the skillset? What are we preparing for?
Brad Belford: So we have seniors here that are getting ready to go off to audition for
the best programs in the country. They’re working their contemporary monologues – something
within the last 50 years. Frank: And when you said seniors, you meant
high school seniors, not seniors. Okay? Brad: Yes, high school students.
Frank: So they’re going to get up one at a time and they’re going to deliver a monologue
for us and we’re going to simply tear them apart.
Brad: That’s right. Frank: We tear them apart.
Brad: But only to make them that much better. Frank: For the benefit of the students! Not
for our own fun and amusement. Brad: 100 percent.
[Student performing] Brad: Good, good, nice. I like this, but stop
performing it. What she’s saying is that if they could really tell them the truth they
would. So tell her the truth. [Student performing]
Brad: Good, very nice! A round of applause! [Music]
Frank: When you’re out and about sometimes you’ve got to do some shopping. And one
of the hot spots in West Palm Beach is City Place. There are restaurants, shops, there’s
a movie theater, a comedy club and everything you need for a little night on the town. Check
out City Place everybody. [Music]
Frank: We’re lucky enough to have the CEO Judy Mitchell with us in the middle of this
amazing theater. How did we get here? How did this all happen?
Judy Mitchell, CEO, Kravis Center: Well we are excited to be celebrating believe it or
not, 25 years! So it happened about thirty years ago or more, a group of community leaders
got together and really felt it would be important for the community to have a place to showcase
the arts and culture here in Palm Beach County. Frank: This isn’t the only space you have
here, right? Judy: No, this is our largest: Dreyfoos Hall,
our main concert hall with just under 2,200 seats. But we also have two additional venues,
black box theaters. The Rinker Playhouse, The Marshall Rinker Playhouse with about 300
seats. And the Helen K. Persson Hall, which is also about 300 seats in another building.
Frank: Over the years how many people do you think you’ve had come through the doors?
You probably know… Judy: Students, I can tell you it’s over
2 million students. We average about 500,000 people a year coming through the center so
that times 25 years. [Music] Frank: And down the Street, just south of
West Palm Beach you can visit a funky, arts filled destination: Lake Worth! Known for
its Annual Street Painting Festival in February, Lake Worth has beauty both manmade and all
natural. Take a stroll by the water on the William Lockhart Municipal Pier… or check
out the city’s unique architecture… featuring the largest concentration of cottage homes
anywhere… one thousand in all with their whimsical colors and tree lined streets. And
you’ll find classic Deco buildings like this old theater that houses the Cultural
Council of the Palm Beaches. And don’t miss the robust food and nightlife scene. It runs
the gamut from roadside tacos at Tacos Al Carbon to jazz at the Bamboo Room and theater
at the Lake Worth Play House. [Music]
Now let’s head back to West Palm Beach. [Music] Frank: Tell me a little about Sloan’s. How
long have you been around? Manager: We’ve been here since 1999. We’re
the first Sloan’s. Frank: This is the first one? The flagship
location? Manager: I believe it’s the best Sloan’s.
Frank: Oh, a little competition between each Sloan’s. I like that. So what do you think
that makes Sloan’s different than any other place?
Manager: All of our ice cream is homemade. Every Sloan’s has a bathroom where it fogs
up. [Music]
Frank: When you get in the bathroom here at Sloan’s, they can actually see in and you
can see out until… you lock the door! [Music]
Frank: What’s the 2 for $5? Manager: Bud or Bud Light.
Franks: Wait, you serve beer? Manager: Yes.
Frank: An ice cream store that serves beer! So when did that come about?
Manager: We’re the only Sloan’s that serves beer.
Frank: Ok. Give me your top flavor. What is it? What do I need to try?
Manager: Oreo Cookies and Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Frank: …MMM, together. Wow, you know what would go great with this? A beer. And they
got it. [Music] [Music]
Frank: This has become a staple in the community, right? I mean, this is a hot spot?
Chef Kenneth: I don’t know about a hot spot. We’ve been here a long time.
Frank: I’m telling you it’s a hot spot! Chef Ken: Well we’ve been here a long time.
Frank: Tell me about the food. Chef Kenneth: Our menu has evolved over the
years, we started off with a very small menu with 3 starters, four entrees and three desserts.
All hand written and we made changes to the menu every day. And in 2009, we reformatted
the whole menu because it had grown to a six-page menu.
Frank: Am I going to get to try any of the food?
Both: Absolutely. Frank: All right, well let’s do it.
[Music] Frank [eating]: … MMM… I’m going to
do that first. I did not expect that. That’s really good. Should I eat it with the couscous,
together? Chef Kenneth: There are no rules!
Frank: There are no rules. I like that. Wow! Because there are no rules I can eat all of
these things, right? I don’t have to stop at the first plate. This is the salmon. You
should have this job for a while. I would think, right? You might want to think about
doing this for a living. Kenneth: Maybe when I grow up.
Frank: Yeah. Coconut Quiche everybody! I don’t even know what to say.
Dennis: Four layers of soft moist delicate chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream
icing. Frank: Stop it! That’s unreal. Good stuff!
[Music} Frank: Now where does this coffee come from?
Sean Scott, Co-Owner Subculture Coffee: All over. We just got a coffee from Columbia,
it’s a direct trade. Guatemala, the Congo, ah Kenya…
Frank: And is the process here different than my big-box coffee?
Sean: Yeah, it’s much more hands on. It’s much more craft. Every drink is not made by
an automated machine with pre-dosing. Frank: So you have real baristas here?
Sean: Yeah. Frank: They’re doing the art of it. Every
coffee tastes different. Sean: Every coffee does taste different. And
that is a challenge in this culture where people are used to automation.
Frank: What’s your signature coffee here? Sean:
What’s your signature what’s your signature coffee here…
Sean: Well it depends on your demographic Frank: Well you know my demographic! Look
at me Sean: So if you’re….
Frank: I’m ambiguous, I’m ambiguous Sean: Well let’s just start with….
Frank: Something simple? Sean: Yea just a standard latte
Frank: Okay standard latte I can do that, he’s not taking any chances on me
Sean: Right [Music]
Frank: Whoa! That was like a magic trick. Look at the design on that. It’s like a
little leaf. A fleur de lis. Sean: It’s a flirtatious leaf for all the
ladies. Decaf, decaf latte. Give it a sip. Frank: Okay, okay. Very cool. I am going to.
Sean: Temperature, texture? Frank: Oh wow. Yeah, it’s creamy. It’s
creamy. [Music]
Frank: West Palm Beach has been experiencing a true renaissance in the last 15 years and
one of the latest neighborhoods to see that happening is historic North West where you
can find the Sunset Lounge. Let’s go have some fun.
[Music] Frank: There must be such a rich history here.
Tell me about that? Genia Baker: Growing up here this was the
destination for entertainment in this particular neighborhood. And I was told about some of
the greats that used to come here: Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and the like.
Frank: This is what it used to look like and how it has changed over the years?
Genia: That’s correct. Early 1926 this was a sunset roof garden and grill. As you can
see the top of the building was actually open and it was a true roof garden and then in
the 1942 era, that area was closed in, creating 2 floors within the interior of the building.
Frank: You want to open this up and make this sort of a hot spot in the area and make it
a place that people will want to come back to, a reason to come to West Palm, a reason
to come to this neighborhood and also you’re bringing the community together as a whole.
Genia: That’s the goal. Frank: Come check out the Sunset Lounge in
historic Northwest, West Palm Beach. Have a fun time.
[Music] Frank: Things are about to get wild!
[Music] Frank: We’re here in this sort of tortoise
pen, it’s got birds in it, she knows the name of it. I’m here with Emily, she’s
Keeper #3. Emily: Keeper 3, yes.
Frank: I’ve changed my clothes so we don’t get the pants dirty cause I know we’re going
to get down and dirty here. Emily: We’re in the aldabra exhibit right
now and we’re going to go and meet some beautiful giant tortoises.
Frank: You’ve got turtles and kangaroos that are hopping all in the same… and they
don’t…. Emily: Yes! Well the ibis come in on their
own so they can fly in and out Frank: And they don’t bother each other?
They live…. Emily: Right. Mhmm.
Frank: Harmoniously. Emily: So Noto is 80 years old believe it
or not and Noto… Frank: There he goes
Emily: And Noto is a gentle giant. If you’re a gentle giant you eat…herbivore snacks
right Frank: Sure
Emily: So that’s fruits vegetables, see he’s got a nice sharp beak there
Frank: Wow. So is there a…is there a mate for him? Anywhere?
Emily: He’s got 2 would you like to meet his friends?
Frank: Yea! Emily: She’s also my poising tortoise. So
during the experiences I can scratch her little leg here and she usually will pose.
Frank: It’s like a jack on a car. Emily: That’s right. Do the oil change.
Put the turtle wax on. Frank: What’s the most unique animal you
guys have? Emily: You guys need to come see our Komodo
Dragons. And we have frogs, we have tortoises, of course we have mammals too. And things
like that. Frank: Come check it out you’ll love it.
Thanks Emily, we appreciate it Emily: Thank you.
[Music] Frank: We’re at the Ann Norton Sculpture
Garden. Tell me about a little of the history here. I am overwhelmed by this right now.
Karen Steele: Ann Norton was a direct carver. And what we’re looking at are her pieces
in Northwestern cedar that she was doing simultaneously when she was building her iconic brick monumental
sculptures that are in our gardens. She chose this media because it’s what the Indians
did with the totem poles. And so all of her art she had in mind would last forever.
Frances Fisher: Well, I think that Ann Norton’s sculptures really defy imagination, they’re
one of the most powerful offerings at this garden.
Frank: Well let me ask you the obvious question, how does this woman get… I mean obviously
there’s ladders and scaffolding involved here. This is not an easy undertaking, right?
Karen: She in fact had help in doing these large pieces. And the neighbors, some of the
neighbors were here still here and they could hear her there’d be people on scaffolding
and they could hear the noise and she would be standing beside it shouting directions
Frank: I really appreciate this. I feel like I’ve learned so much.
Frances: Happy to have you. Frank: Thank you so much.
This town that came to life with Henry Flagler’s railroad is a unique combination of history,
art and new ideas. Whether you’re walking along colorful Clematis or taking in the breathtaking
views on SkyBike, West Palm Beach is a family friendly place for fun, shopping and great
eats. We hope you enjoyed discovering West Palm Beach and that you’ll join us the next
time we go On the Town. [Music]
Narrator: This program is brought to you by Discover The Palm Beaches. Visit PalmBeachFL.com
for more information.