MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

VICKIE BENNETT

At over 35 years, Vickie Bennett is—by all accounts—the most-tenured female bartender in the gay bars in Broward County.  But it wasn’t always pretty.  She had to learn how to survive in the male-dominate world of them—a world which she saw ravished by AIDS.  

Where did you grow up?  In Akron, Ohio.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Since 1978.  Why did you move here?  Well, it snows in Ohio, and I love palm trees much better than snow.  And I was young.  Me and my girlfriend-at-the-time were on our way to California.  She eventually went on to California, and I just stayed.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  In Davie.  What do you like most about living here?  I like the ocean and the palm trees.  I just like it—I don’t know.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  Backstreet.  Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why?  I mostly stay at home with the puppies and my girlfriend.  But when I do go out, I go to a straight bar.  I want to go where no one knows my name and I can just be a fly on the wall.  What’s your claim–to–fame?  I’m the longest-running female bartender in the gay bars in Broward County.  That, and my cocktails—people tell me about them all the time.  They like to drink them because they don’t taste like pure alcohol.  What’s the first place that you worked at in South Florida?  Backstreet, in 1982.

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What’s the best place that you worked at in South Florida?  Once again, Backstreet.  It was in the space where Revolution is now.  It took up the whole block; it was a big venue.  It had a pool in the back, too.  The early eighties was a very magical time to grow up and be gay.  Particularly, in that club.  At first, I did everything there—bar backing, taking care of the entertainment, etc.  They eventually made me a bartender, but they put me on the second floor, in the back, figuring that I would quit.  But I ended up making more than the boys, so they moved me to the first floor.  Me and my girlfriend were the only female bartenders there.  I never made so much money in all my life.  What’s the biggest tip that you ever got?  Nine hundred dollars.  I only made one drink for this guy, and then he walked away.  He left nine $100 bills under the ashtray.  I tried to find him, in case he left the money by accident, but he was gone.  What do you think about the gay bars today?  Bars are getting more integrated, and young gays don’t give a fuck if you’re gay or not.  I can’t imagine that young bartenders have a following, because people don’t go out like they used to.  But I’m lucky because I’ve been here a long time, so I have a following.

What’s your best celebrity encounter?  Andy Warhol.  I was at the bar-area in Backstreet, and all these queens were like, “Who’s that ugly guy?”  None of them knew who he was, if you can believe that.  I had Warhol sign a napkin, and he drew a heart.  I still have it.  What celebrity are you closest with?  Grace Jones.  I used to hang around with her all the time.  She’s fucking wild.  I haven’t seen her for a while, though.  Who’s your best industry friend?  “Pooch.”  I’ve known him for years.  He’s a great guy.  He used to work at Scandals, but I’m not sure if he’s there anymore.  How would you like to be remembered?  I really don’t know.  I’ll leave that up to the public.  I’ve introduced people who are still together years later, and I run into so many who tell me that I made their first drink when they just turned 21, or when they just moved into town.  I feel like I’ve grown up with everyone here.  Will you ever retire?  Probably not.  What’s the last thing that you looked at online?  Probably Facebook.  What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why?  The keys, but not Key West.  It’s not artsy there anymore, and it has too many cruise ships.  And working at The Copa for all those years in Key West kind-of ruined it for me.  What’s your favorite band?  The Pretenders.  And on a side note, Chrissie Hynde grew up in Dayton, too, and my aunt—who had a beauty salon—did her mother’s hair.

What are you superstitious about?  Black cats.  Do you believe in aliens?  Yes.  And I think I’ve met a few of them.  What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older?  To save more money.  What did you learn from your parents?  Not much.  I didn’t really have a childhood, because I had to bring up my brothers and sisters since I was 10 years old.  What’s your best characteristic?  I’m a good listener (laughs).  How do you enjoy spending your time?  Me and my girlfriend [of 28 years] go to Key Largo every-other weekend.  That’s my getaway.  What celebrity do you have a crush on?  I used to love Suzanne Pleshette.  Where would you go in a time machine, and why?  Back to the early 80s.  That was the best.  But it was bittersweet, because the late 80s and early 90s were a very sad time because of AIDS—it was horrible.  I mean, I would be serving someone, knowing that it would be their last drink.  I was losing friends and customers left and right, and every time you opened up David Magazine, you saw another friend’s obituary.  After a while, I got numb to it.  I just couldn’t go to anymore funerals.  And at that age, I had gone to more funerals than my parents ever did.

What would your last meal be?  Probably Jets Pizza.  The pizza is amazing—I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it.  What do you worry about?  Money, money, money.  If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why?  Probably a trumpet, so people would listen to me (laughs).  Are you more like a sheep or a wolf?  Most of the time, I’m a lamb.  But it depends on the day, because sometimes I have to be a wolf.  I’m a woman in a man’s world, so I always have—and had—to be better than the boys and the beautiful men just to stay alive.  Who depends on you?  My puppies… and my girlfriend.  Who are you closest with?  Tommy, my cook.  What would your autobiography be called?  Behind Bars.  What music do you listen to when you’re upset?  I don’t listen to that much music.  I listen to talk radio and sports radio to unwind.  What’s your greatest regret in life?  That I didn’t save more money.  I made millions, but we all did back then.  You always thought, “Oh, why bother saving?  I’m gonna make another $1,000 tonight.”  If we only knew…  Where can we see you?  At Beefcake’s on Wednesday and Thursday, from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Friday and Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to close.

PHOTOGRAPHS 2, 3 AND 5 BY POMPANO BILL
MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CATHY CRAIG

After performing in South Florida for over 30 years, few have the tenure that Cathy Craig does.  Here, she regales about the Marlin Beach Hotel, the state of drag, and what her dream role is.

Where did you grow up?  In Cleveland, Ohio.  They call Cleveland the “mistake on the lake,” but I don’t know why.  There’s fabulous education, medical facilities, museums, theater…  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Since 1984.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  I used to live in Fort Lauderdale, but I now live in Pompano Beach, in the Lighthouse Point area.  What do you like most about living here?  The weather, and the many wonder friends that I’ve met both on-and-off-the-stage and in retail.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  Of all the places that are gone from South Florida, the ones that I miss the most are Bobby Wynn’s restaurant, The Copa, and, of course, the wonderful Marlin Beach Hotel.  Where do you hang out in South Florida?  The restaurants and little shops in Wilton Manors, The Pub and the Coconut Creek Casino.  What’s your claim–to–fame?  I’ve won many Dixie Awards and a few titles along the way, but the thing that’s special to me was when I awarded the honorary Miss Florida Female Impersonator award in 2014.  I also won a Lucille Ball lookalike contest over nine women at the Coconut Creek Casino, and it caused a scandal.

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How did you come up with your name?  The first time I ever dressed up, I called myself “Lorraine.”  Someone [Treva Trash] came over to me and asked me what my name was.  I told her that it was Lorraine, but she said that I looked more like a “Cathy.”  “Big Mama” gave me my last name, “Craig,” after Dr. Craig from General Hospital.  Who’s the best drag queen or all time, and why?  I’ve had many inspirations, but the one who comes to mind is Charles Pierce.  He paved the way for a lot of entertainers, including RuPaul and Divine.  He really brought drag to the forefront.  Who’s the best national drag queen right now, and why?  RuPaul, because of the road he’s paving for entertainers.  Who’s the best local drag queen right now?  There are so many, I don’t know where to begin.  To name a few, I would say Nikki Adams, Tiffany Arrieaugus, Elektra, Amanda Austin, Dee Dee Van Carter, Francesca Richards, Sharde Ross and Brittany Moore.  But I could go on for days…  What was your favorite gig, and why?  I’ll tell you two stories.  I remember performing at the Marlin Beach Hotel with Nikki Adams, and I finished my number UNDERWATER (you could see underwater from the downstairs bar) so that everybody outside of the pool could watch.  I made $1,000 in tips that night.  I also played The Queen of Hearts at the Flagler Museum, and no one knew that I was a man until the press leaked it.

Do you think that drag is becoming too mainstream?  No.  I got into this to become mainstream.  I would love to be in films and TV, either in or out of drag.  How would you like to be remembered?  As a good entertainer, a wonderful person and someone who was always available when needed.  Will you ever retire?  I don’t feel that I’ll ever retire.  I’ve performed for over 40 years, and I don’t plan on retiring anywhere in the near future.  What’s the last thing that you looked at online?  The last thing that I looked up online, unfortunately, was about an ailment—and that’s not funny.  What’s the best place that you’ve visited?  I’ve been many places, but my favorites are Las Vegas and cruises.  What’s your favorite movie?  Mame, with Lucille Ball, of course.  I’m such a fan of hers.  What drives you crazy?  Dishonesty.  Just lay it on the table and suffer the consequences.  Also, backstabbing.  If I’m not fond of you, I’ll tell you.  How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet?  I have a wonderful little chihuahua, and I would think that I would be very lucky in heaven, because I knew that I was going to be spoiled.

Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend?  You better believe I would.  But they better watch out, because I’m getting close to Depends age.  How do you most enjoy spending your time?  Going with my friends to movies, out to dinner and to thrift stores.  As long as you have friends, you have everything.  Who do you admire?  Someone who’s not afraid to take a chance.  They say to “take the bull by the horns,” but I was sometimes afraid that I would get stabbed.  Where would you go in a time machine, and why?  I would go to the past and I would change a few things.  I would have been more prepared for retirement, I would have fearlessly pursued a larger career, and I would have taken care of my health.  What would your last meal be?  Probably macaroni and cheese made with fontina and gorgonzola.  What do you worry about?  I worry about the future and that no one will remember me.  I also worry that I won’t be able to enjoy the rest of my life.  If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why?  I’d be the piano.  It’s the only instrument you really need.  Are you more like a sheep or a wolf?  A sheep with a fluffy coat.

Who depends on you, and for what?  It’s always been in my personality that I like people to depend on me. But the older I get, the less those people are around or they’ve passed on.  Now I’m becoming the one who needs somebody.  What would your autobiography be called?  It would be called Laughing Large.  Do you ever put music on when you’re upset?  When I’m upset or depressed, I usually put something spiritual on.  Or maybe just a fabulous female soul singer.  What’s on your bucket list?  I still have a lot of things on my bucket list. I always wanted to play Rose in Gypsy.  What’s your greatest regret in life?  My greatest regret in life is not ever having a long-term lover and not learning to play the piano.  But not necessarily in that order.  Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else.  That sometimes when I’m laughing on the outside, I’m crying on the inside. Where can we see you?  On Facebook at William Lewis or at Cathy Craig Female Impersonator.  You can also see some of my performances on YouTube.

 

MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Restaurants

WHAT THE PHO?

SHADE-O-METER RATING

4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”

What’s “What The Pho?”  It’s a Vietnamese restaurant in Wilton Manors.  According to the website, it’s owned by a family member of Miami-Dade’s Miss Saigon Bistro chain.  This is the owner’s first solo venture.  How was the maître d’?  Great.  She was friendly and casual.  What was the décor like?  Industrial, but with evocations of jungles and Buddhist imagery.  What was the seating like?  There were a few seats at the bar.  The rest of the seating was either traditional tables or high-top ones.

What was the atmosphere like?  Considering that it was a Friday night at about 10:00 p.m., it was fairly crowded.  What was the crowd like?  It was about two-thirds gay.  How’s the cruising?  None really.  When was happy hour?  No happy hour.  Does that make it a “sad” hour?  What libations were ordered?  They don’t serve liquor.  They only have beer, wine and sake.  However, they do have saketinis.  They offer hot and cold sake.  We ordered wine ($10) and hot sake ($10.95; and yes, quality sake should not be consumed hot).

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Were they served timely?  Yes.  How were they?  Nothing special.  The sake and wine was average.  Considering this, they’re overpriced.  What was on the menu?  As the name implies, the emphasis is on the pho.  Pho is a noodle soup that consists of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef or chicken.  They do offer a vegetarian version.  There’s also a “Huey” special (named after the owner) that’s apparently popular.

What was ordered?  For appetizers, we ordered the crispy spring rolls ($7.95 for two) and the crispy seafood spring rolls ($8.95 for four).  For entrées, we ordered vegetarian pho ($13.95), spicy pork pho ($16.95) and chicken fried rice ($11.95).  Was the food served timely?  Yes.

How was the food?  The crispy springs rolls had chicken and crab in them, and they were served with a fish-based “nuoc cham” dipping sauce.  The fish-flavor in the sauce was subtle, and the balance of the competing elements in it was correct.  However, the rolls themselves could have used more crab.  The dish was also served with another undisclosed sauce.  Perhaps soy sauce?  The crispy seafood spring rolls were also served with the same nuoc cham sauce.  Of the two dishes, the seafood spring rolls were better.  Regarding the entrées, the pho was served with an over-flowing side of bean sprouts, basil, lime, and jalapeño peppers.  Both dishes were excellent.  The meat in the pork pho was in delicate strips.  The tofu in the vegetarian pho is fresh and soft.  The fried rice was okay, but there was a slightly glutinous consistency.

How was the service?  Personable.  What stands out about the place?  The service and the pho.  What could be improved?  The food could use an element of surprise or hints of the exotic.  Increase the caliber of the drinks, or reduce the prices.  What was surprising?  That toilet paper rolls were displayed outside of the bathrooms.

What The Pho? is located at 2033 Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors, Florida.  It’s open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday.  Dinner is served daily.  Consult the website for exact closing times, which range from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

 

MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

SUE MARTINO

From the incipiency of the Big Bang, to standing on the equator, humanitarian Sue Martino has a lot of things on her mind, including a humane vision for all of Florida’s sheltered pets

Where did you grow up?  In New York City.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Since August 2006.  Why did you move here?  A business partner asked me to operate and manage a few of his small hotels in Fort Lauderdale beach.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  In Wilton Manors.  What do you like most about living here?  I think I like the weather most.  Second would be the openness.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  The Copa and the tea dances at the beach.  Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why?  I patronize the restaurants and shops on Wilton Drive.  I also enjoy meeting friends at the small neighborhood bars such as Smarty Pants and Mona’s.  What’s your claim-to-fame?  Heading up the Pet Project.  What was your first pet?  A dog named “Fluffy.”  What’s your favorite pet?  I love all of my pets—past, present and future.

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How many pets do you think The Pet Project has serviced?  Over the past 15 years, I’m sure over 20,000.  Are you a vegetarian?  No.  How would you like to be remembered?  As a person who cared and wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals and in the lives of humans who are disabled, ill or aging.  Will you ever retire?  No, I don’t think so.  I have too much to accomplish yet.  What’s the last thing that you looked at online?  My emails.  What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why?  So far, it would have to be Disney World.  It’s the “happiest place on earth,” and I  love the magic!  For a foreign trip, it would have to be the Panama Canal.  What an amazing part of the world.  The beauty, the two connecting oceans, the vessels that sail through the canal, the bridge that towers over the canal connecting the two sides… just breathtaking and amazing.  What do you think is your greatest achievement?  Taking The Pet Project to the level we are at today, and being chosen as the Florida affiliate for the Rescue Bank. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN R. LANG

What’s your favorite book?  The Celestine Prophecy.  How do you most enjoy spending your time?  Hanging at home with my wife and my pets.  What celebrity do you have a crush on?  No crushes, but I respect Ellen DeGeneres.  I think that she’s very courageous and giving.  Who do you admire?  Celine Dion.  She’s a wonderful singer, and she was a loyal wife.  She’s also strong, smart, and a good person.  She really is a role model for women.  If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why?  My mom, because I miss her.  And I sometimes need her strength and inspiration.  Where would you go in a time machine, and why?  To the Big Bang.  I would like to experience the beginning of the universe.  What would your last meal be?  Scrambled eggs with American cheese, an English muffin, French fries and a glass of milk.  What do you worry about?  I worry about the lives of innocent animals who are abused or abandoned or surrendered to overcrowded shelters.  They must be so hurt inside, and many are suffering.

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If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why?  I think I would be a set of drums because they’re the backbone of music.  They’re the beat and the “life” of music, and they’re strong.  I like that.  Are you more like a sheep or a wolf?  I am definitely more like a wolf.  I’m a risk-taker, I have no fear of most things, and I would stand up to anything.  Who depends on you, and for what?  A lot of people and their pets depend on me for basic essentials.  My own pets depend on me as well.  Who are you closest with?  My wife and my god daughter.  What would your autobiography be called?  Finding the Way, No Matter What.  Do you ever put music on when you’re upset?  Yes.  Music always makes me feel better.  I like the solid-gold oldies, disco, dance music and Broadway hits.  What’s on your bucket list?  A month or longer in Italy, a trip to the Galapagos, a cruise around the world, and I want to stand on the equator.  I also want to expand the Pet Project to all states, and I’d like to see all of Florida as “no-kill” state.

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What’s your greatest regret in life?  That I didn’t do more to help animals earlier in my life.  But I’m working hard to make up for lost time.  Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else.  I’ll tell you something that occurred recently that I wouldn’t have told anyone else.  As Irma was approaching—and I’ve never experienced a hurricane before—I began to put a few clients and their pets who were at risk of flooding into the Pet Project building.  As I left the building, I realized that over 900 people and over 1,100 pets depended on me and the Pet Project, and I was afraid.  It never dawned on me before the magnitude of the people and pets who would need help if there had been a really bad disaster.  It left me very shaken.  But thank the universe, we all survived.  Where can we see you?  At The Pet Project almost every day!

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAGGIE MARTINO
MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

GRINDR: THE OPERA

SHADE-O-METER RATING

3 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “NO SHADE, BUT SHE DIDN’T TURN IT OUT”

What’s GRINDR: The Opera?  It’s a pop opera.  The music, libretto and lyrics are by Erik Ransom.  What’s Empire Stage?  It’s a lovely little theater in an industrial section of Wilton Manors.  Specifically, it’s down the street from the all-male strip club, Le Boy.  How many people does the venue hold?  About 50.  How was the parking?  They have parking behind the venue and on the street.  Both are free.  Does the venue serve liquor?  No imbibements are offered.  Does the venue serve food?  Nope.  How much were the tickets?  $35.  Was the show sold out?  Yes.  How was the crowd?  All queens.  I don’t think I saw one female in the house.

How was the music?  To quote Hamlet, “The play’s the thing.”  That too can be said of a musical—the music’s “the thing.”  Considering this, it’s highly unlikely that one would leave the theater remembering one song that was heard.  I certainly didn’t.  The only song that I remembered was the last one, “What a Tangled Web We Weave,” and that was only because of the title.  The mostly-derivative pop rock-ish score consisted of whiffs of lesser numbers from Hamilton, Rent, Next to Normal, Dear Even Hanson and Depeche Mode, and then filtered through the prism of the cult film Phantom of the Paradise.  Of note, the show is performed to a track.

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How was the story?  The story consists of a rather conventional conceit of four male Grindr uses who’s lives inevitably intersect.  One could view this aspect of the story as a metaphor for the medical opinion that when you sleep with someone, you’re also sleeping with everyone else that they’ve ever slept with.  GRINDR: The Opera is a story of boy-meets-boy, boy then cheats-on-boy.  To make matters worse, the “Jezebel” character who sleeps with the one boy—sobriqueted on Grindr as “powerbottom18”—has a father that’s a closet-cased city councilman.  Surveying all these festivities was the “spirt” of Grindr, or “mother” Grindr herself—a drag queen.  How were the lyrics?  With lyrics such as “I want to be seeded,” “I’ll be your cum dumpster,” “Split me down the middle like the Berlin Wall,” and “Fuck me until I’m bleeding,” this show definitely ain’t for the kiddies.  Parents and expecting mothers, take note.

How was the set design and staging?  This was fine.  If anything, this was one of the better aspects of the show.  The staging used the limited space and resources to maximum effect, with actors shifting around sets and props to indicate transitions.  The infamous Grindr logo loomed front and center, with Sauron-like glowing eyes that surveyed the character’s antics.  How was the costume design?  Appropriate, for the most part, yet not always.  For example, a glaring example of an incorrect design was the costume for the councilman character.  The character was dressed in an ill-fitted suit, with no tie or socks on, and with the shirt collar worn over the jacket’s collar.  Not only is this 1990s-inspired look inappropriate for a contemporary show, but it’s highly unlikely that an uptight closet case politician would be caught dead in such a disheveled getup.

What could have improved the show?  The music is what it is, and it’s up to the composer to write better songs.  However, of particular irritation was this “mother” Grindr character, which, according to the website, is described as a “mythical” siren.  Even those with only a passing knowledge of Greek mythology will recognize the symbolic similarities between the Grindr icon and the permanently erect and ready satyr.  One can only imagine why mother “Drag Race” Grindr wasn’t reconceived as some kind of devil-faced enticing “daddy” Grindr instead.  What was surprising about the show?  According to the creator of Grindr, the app is named after coffee grinds, as in, “grinding” people together like they were coffee grounds.  In that venture, the musical appeared to succeed.

GRINDR: The Opera plays through November 19 at Empire Stage.  Empire Stage is located at 1140 North Flagler Drive, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Restaurants

CASBLANCA CAFE

SHADE-O-METER RATING

4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”

What’s Casablanca Café?  It’s restaurant that’s in the Jova House.  The Jova House—circa 1927—is the oldest remaining structure on Fort Lauderdale Beach.  The house was converted into a restaurant in 1993.  How was the maître d’?  No complaints.  There always seems to be someone there.  What was the décor like?  Fabulous.  The owner(s) smartly preserved the Mediterranean Revival architecture.

What was the seating like?  There is indoor and outdoor seating, both upstairs and downstairs.  There’s limited seating in the piano bar area as well.  What was the atmosphere like?  Casual, with about a 50/50 mix of tourists and local.  Some people are dressed up in afternoon attire, and some people are in bathing suits.

How’s the cruising?  Not really present.  However, for the guys, there are a fair number of queens there.  When was happy hour?  Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  What libations were ordered?  We got a Bloody Mary, a cucumber martini and a “Casa Basil” drink.  They were between $10 and $13.  Were they served timely?  Yes.

How were they?  The Bloody Mary could have been a little more pungent, the cucumber martini was a little too sweet and the strawberries and the basil in the “Casa” drink should have been muddled.  They’re also a little stingy with the pourin’ of the liquor.  however, overall, the drinks are good.  What was on the menu?  We went for lunch, which was served until 4:30 p.m.  They have their traditional Menu, and there’s also a few specialty drinks and entrees.

What was ordered?  A baked brie appetizer and an ahi tuna appetizer.  For the entrees, a fish taco, a seafood linguini, and a snapper entre (which was the catch of the day).  The appetizers were about $14 and $15.  The entrees ranged from about $15 to $19.  Was the food served timely?  Yes.  The wait was appropriate for this type of restaurant.

How was it?  The brie appetizer is basically a deconstructed salad, which is interesting concept.  The blueberries in it were perfectly ripe.  The tuna appetizer had picked kimchee (cabbage) in, which was a nice touch.  Regarding the entrees, the snapper dish was a tad too salty.  But the roasted tomatoes and the parsley-infused olive oil in it were complementary and pleasing.  The coleslaw in the fish tacos needed more dressing, but the fish was very fresh (which is paramount).  The seafood linguini was served with lobster cream sauce, as opposed to the more common red sauce.  There was a modest amount of seafood in the dish.

How was the service?  Attentive.  What stands out about the place?  The décor and the view.  Regarding both, it simply doesn’t get any better.  however, I’m sure that no one appreciated the irritating noise from periodic motorcycles.  What could be improved?  The wait staff removed the plates from two people while the third was still eating.  This is a no-no.  What was surprising?  The inside windows on the second floor don’t open.

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Casablanca Café is located at 3049 Alhambra St., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  It’s open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.  There’s live entertainment Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CITIZEN JANE

A “305er” for life, DJ Citizen Jane talks about what’s hot in South Florida, the lessons she learned from her mother, and who she’d like to raise from the dead

PHOTOGRAPH BY CITIZEN JANE MUSIC

Where did you grow up?  I was born in Miami Beach, but I grew up in Dade County’s finest—Hialeah.  Then I moved to Coral Gables, and I lived there for the most part.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  I’ve lived in South Florida my whole life.  I’m one of the few that was born and raised in South Florida, and I still live here.  I guess you can say that I’ll be “305” till’ I die.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  I currently live in Miami, of course.  Right near the beach!  What do you like most about living here?  Aside from it being my hometown—which I’m very proud of—I love the warm weather, the beaches, the women (Miami has the most beautiful women) and being near my family.  My family is so important to me.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  Tobacco Road.  I performed there a few times when I was singing with my band.  Plus, it was such a cool hangout full of musicians and all walks-of-life.  Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why?  I love Wynwood because it’s a great spot for bar hopping and art galleries.  I also love having lunch or dinner on Lincoln Road.  It’s a great place to people watch.  What DJ or musician do you admire?  Lady Gaga, for being her true self, taking risks with her music and for being so unique.  And Madonna for always expressing herself and not caring about how people perceive her.

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MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

AARON HUNTSMAN

With the distinction as the first person to win gay marriage in Florida, Aaron Huntsman went all the way from the desert of Las Vegas to the steps of The Capitol   

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENE TUCKER

Where did you grow up?  Las Vegas and Newport Beach, California.  How long have you lived in South Florida?  Off and on, since 1993.  I’ve lived 75% of the time since 1993 in South Florida.  Why did you move here?  Because I’m a weather freak.  I came out here on vacation, and I just fell in love with Fort Lauderdale, The Keys, and Miami.  What part of South Florida do you live in?  Key West, but I used to live in Fort Lauderdale.  I met the love of my life there at pride in 2003.  We used to have a landscaping company in Fort Lauderdale called La Lawnscape.  I also used to bartend at Cathode Ray, Twist and The Pier.  What do you like most about living here?  It’s the east coast.  Once you’ve lived here, that’s it.  What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?  Crowbar on Sunday night.  Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why?  We’re homebodies now.  If we go out, we like to go to Tavern N Town at the Marriott in Key West.  What’s your claim–to–fame?  Probably Lee and I having the first winning lawsuit that overturned the same-sex marriage ban in Florida.  What’s your favorite band?  Metallica.  I’ve seen them live about 8 or 9 times, and I like to be up close where the action is.  Will you ever retire?  No, because once you retire, you grow old.  I’ll continue to work until my last breath.  What’s the last thing that you looked at online?  Your website.  And then before that, a website for a non-profit small bus association for people affected by Hurricane Irma.

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