WPB/PB arts/dining surge; new restaurants, events, and attractions; Alan Jackson festival; Emelina Michelin star; Currie Park restaurant proposals; WLRN NPR signal; Evanescence concert; Temple Israel opening; Prezzo closing; Garden Butcher opens; Vivian Lieberman Awards; restaurant inspection roundup; Juneteenth events; July 4th fireworks recap; Quantum House fundraiser; amfAR Gala; Harry's & Adrienne's legend status; Lynora's Kitchen profile; 10 new restaurants opening summer-fall 2026; Pescatore Ristorante closing; James Beard nominee chef expanding to CityPlace; Dominique Denis exhibition at Cultural Council; City Cellar closes after 26 years
Key Questions
Which restaurant earned the first Michelin star for Cuban cuisine in the US?
Emelina in the Palm Beaches earned the first Michelin star for a Cuban restaurant in the US. Several other local spots like HMF received Wine Spectator awards.
What major events and concerts are happening in West Palm Beach?
Alan Jackson's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Fest is coming to West Palm Beach, Evanescence nearly sold out iTHINK, and the South Florida Soul Rodeo is July 25 at the fairgrounds. July 4th fireworks drew hundreds along the waterfront.
What new restaurants are opening or expanding in the area?
Ten South Florida restaurants are slated for summer-fall 2026 openings, including a James Beard nominee chef's more affordable brasserie at CityPlace in November. BuddhaBerry frozen yogurt opens at CityPlace in fall 2026.
Which longtime restaurants have closed recently?
City Cellar at The Square closed after 26 years, affecting nearly 100 employees. Pescatore Ristorante on North Dixie also permanently closed its doors.
What arts and cultural exhibitions are featured?
Dominique Denis: Metamorphosis exhibition is on view at the Cultural Council in Lake Worth Beach, showcasing mixed-media works on nostalgia. Temple Israel opened a new campus.
How is WLRN expanding its reach in Palm Beach County?
WLRN is bringing its NPR signal to PBC, improving access to public radio programming for local listeners.
What fundraising and award events occurred?
Quantum House Culinary Creations raised $220K, and the amfAR Palm Beach Gala was held at the Flowers residence. Harry's and Adrienne's received 'legendary' status from Southern Living.
Are there new board appointments for local arts organizations?
The Kravis Center board added three new members with Palm Beach ties: Steven Barnes, Steven Sanders, and Peter Cummings, strengthening donor connections.
Emelina earns first Michelin star for Cuban restaurant in US. Alan Jackson's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Fest hits West Palm Beach. WLRN brings NPR signal to PBC. Evanescence nearly sells out iTHINK. Temple Israel opens new campus. Prezzo closing in Palm Beach Gardens, replaced by Eddie & Vinny's. Garden Butcher opens in downtown West Palm. Sports & Rec opens in Nora District. Roundup of new PBC restaurants open in 2026. Juneteenth events across South Florida. July 4th fireworks recap published. Quantum House Culinary Creations raised $220K. Heat wave advisory with cool spots. amfAR Palm Beach Gala at Flowers' residence. Harry's and Adrienne's get 'legendary' status from Southern Living with Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce tie-in. Lynora's Kitchen profile. 10 South Florida restaurants opening summer-fall 2026 roundup. Pescatore Ristorante closing on North Dixie. James Beard nominee chef expanding to CityPlace in West Palm Beach this November with more affordable brasserie concept. Soul Rodeo event July 25 at fairgrounds. BuddhaBerry frozen yogurt opening at CityPlace fall 2026. HMF and other Palm Beach restaurants earn Wine Spectator awards (HMF Grand Award). Dominique Denis: Metamorphosis exhibition at Cultural Council in Lake Worth Beach — solo show of mixed-media works exploring nostalgia and domestic forms. City Cellar at The Square closes after 26 years, impacting nearly 100 employees — another longtime West Palm Beach staple lost to the churn. Kravis Center board adds three new members with Palm Beach ties — Steven Barnes, Steven Sanders, Peter Cummings — reinforcing donor community connection.