Home and your Birthday

It’s April, and baseball is back. And so are my White Sox, finding new and innovative ways to lose. Here on Thursday, you can see the Sox runner charging hard around home to tie the game and avoid their 7^th straight defeat. Can you say, “Thrown Hammy”. We are now 2-9 and on track for 133 losses which would shatter last year’s record. The Boys of Summer are back, but my Sox still think they are in December.

This April is also my Mom’s Happy Birth Giving day. No one really celebrates Mom although she was the other part of the equation. I love you Mom!

No matter what your age, you may celebrate your birthday dinner outside of your home, but the home you live in or are shopping for is where you usually wake up every birthday morning. It’s where you hear from your spouse or these days get a 3am text that reminds you you’re a year older.

I’m an Aries people tell me. I’m often told I’m likeable because I’m an Aries but I have no idea what being an Aries actually means. There are a few communities with zodiac signs around us. Gemini Club in North Palm Beach. Aquarius in Singer Island.

I share a birthday with David Letterman, Tiny Tim, and Henry Clay (the Great Compromiser). And I think I have something in common with all of them. I love Letterman’s humor. I once shared an airplane ride with Tiny Tim and I do own a Ukulele. And as a veteran real estate negotiator I do fancy myself getting a smooth and winning deal done in negotiations.

As a small child, Home is usually the center of the universe for your birthday with parties in the basement or living room, or bounce houses and barbecues outside.

I normally love it when my birthday falls on Masters weekend… except once. I have a fascination with old athletes who defy the test of time. So as a student studying in London in 1990, I put 100 pounds on Ray Floyd (aged 46) to win the Masters. The odds were 100 to 1. With four holes left, old man Floyd was up 4 strokes. Like my Sox, he choked, and the 10,000 pounds winnings (converted then into dollars was $16,000) that I could have made good use of as a 20-year-old student, went poof into thin air. The only thing worse was my buddy Judd, who bet 1 pound on Nick Faldo with 3/2 odds rooting for him in the same room as Nick slayed Floyd. Judd won a pound and 50p.

If you are new or old to the area, here are the best dinner places and some fun things to do in the Palm Beaches….

My favorite birthday spot was Saito’s Japanese Steak House. It closed on PGA Blvd and is now a Charles Schwab. The Key Grill though is a great 2^nd choice.

Birthday Traditions of the Hungry EchoPod

A peek into where our crew celebrates their big day—and what they can’t live without.

🍣 The Sushi & Seafood Lovers

Elissa Profant: Sushi or Mastro’s Steakhouse for the seafood tower, mac and cheese, and butter cake.
Sophie Schneeberger: Loyal to Blackbird—sushi vibes only.
Homie Mangal: Loves Blackbird, HMF at The Breakers, or Ara—but sometimes just throws an epic house party with friends, music, and dancing.
My daughter Jade: The Melting Pot all the way.
Alexandria Castrillon: You’ll find her at The Breakers Seafood Bar.
Angela Roaf: Celebrates on the rooftop at RH West Palm Beach.
Yasmine Hito: Keeps it elegant at Buccan.
Phineas Wish: Foodie-approved—Stage, Buccan, or HMF.
Ryan Esper: For seafood with a view—Shrimpers in Stuart or Drift Kitchen on Hutchinson Island.
Jamie Garber: It’s Palm Beach Grill for her.
Craig “The Leg” Heger: Big birthday vibes at 1000 North in Jupiter.
Kathy Burgos Valdez: Loves Cooper’s Hawk or anywhere with fresh seafood. Her COVID luau party with a seafood boil and a water bounce house still ranks #1.

🥩 The Steakhouse Devotees

Mitch Frank: Okeechobee Steak House + stone crabs = happy birthday.
Penny Burke: Also Okeechobee Steak House, plus a Carvel ice cream cake tradition since childhood. Her birthday also doubles as her Anniversary so her husband Mitch fills the house with balloons—even the dogs get her a card!
Kathy Borgos: Loves Cooper’s Hawk or anywhere with fresh seafood. Her COVID luau party with a seafood boil and a water bounce house still ranks #1.
Shelby Barley: Another Okeechobee Steak House fan!
My son Sam: Big fan of Epcot and the Japanese Steak House.
Victor Velazco: Wants steak, a day out, and a cozy party at home when family gathers.
Will Dean: Dines at 2 Vinez in Jupiter or the Meat Market in Palm Beach.

🧁 The Experience Seekers

Andrew Seifter: With two kids, he’s all about trampoline parties at The Beacon.
Rob Moore: The social media pro enjoys HogSnappers, Draft House in NPB—or anything in the Keys.
Christian Hill: Food Shack is his go-to.
Dan Uzzi: Loves the vibe at P.F. Chang’s.
Blake Tyson: Hits up Sailfish Lounge and Grill.
Alyssa Regan-Alexander: She enjoys celebrating her birthday with a dinner at any restaurant in the Keys.
Adrianne Barbender: It’s Chef’s Table in Stuart for a special night.
Taylor Fleming & Nick Bartletti: Birthday twins at Sailor’s Return in Stuart.
Ted Milardo: Celebrates with a night out at Abiaka Wood Fire Grill at the Hard Rock.
Allison Harper: Melting Pot fan but could swing Lila’s in Tequesta or anything Mediterranean with a squirt of lemon.
Franco Camacho: Golf at Palm Beach Par 3, then early dinner at Al Fresco’s at the clubhouse.
Savanah Unruh: Can’t decide—Waxin’s, Blackbird, or Swifty’s at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.
Jon Hazman: Wants to do something different each birthday—La Goulue, Popstroke, or throw him a surprise party.
Jeff Orr: Enjoys going out to a concert to celebrate his birthday.
Patti Finnegan: Her go-to is J. Alexander’s—a perfect spot for a celebratory meal.
Howard Freedland: Big on short trips and Paella for eats

🏡 The Homebodies (But Make It Extra)

Brian Cooperman: A perfect day = tennis, pesto-crusted salmon, roasted asparagus, French baguette with truffle oil, and a glass of Cabernet—all homemade by his wife.
Aaron Kalidyn: Prefers a relaxing dinner at Dad’s house after a day of golf or surfing.
Sara Morey has a birthday that falls on Thanksgiving this year so no choice but Turkey!
Ben Broome: Born on Christmas Eve, so his birthday’s always a little low-key.
Theresa Hundley: Heads to her house in Cozumel for ping pong and crème brûlée.
Abraham Kamor: The dapper “Gentlemanly Realtor” shocks us all with this: hot dogs at home. A humble man with an affable spirt….and dressed to the nines. “We go out every night,” he says. “I just love being home.” Although I’m most sure he only eats it with Grey Poupon.

And Happy Birthday to YOU whenever your next birthday is. My Birthday wish is for health, happiness, peace and prosperity for all. Since you’re reading, I’ll also throw in a wish for you to call ECHO when you want to make a housing move or have a referral. If not, that hot dog sounds good!