Last Sunday I was taking one of my regular jogs along the Hollywood  Broadwalk, (Hollywood Florida) and stopped off at Josh’s Organic Garden for a delicious freshly squeezed smoothie.  Even before the market had officially opened, there were already over a dozen people waiting  around to be among the first to pick out their organic fruits and veggies. On my return run some 40 minutes later, there were maybe 100 shoppers checking out the open air stalls, with Josh’s voice booming out as he rushed around to ensure all questions were answered, everyone was being served. and the friendly spirited staff were keeping up with all the activity.

I knew this was peak selling time, so I didn’t want to take up too much of Josh’s time. I asked him to point out what he thought might be the extra special produce of the day. He didn’t point it out: he insisted on taking me to the individual stalls so I could taste the items he was particularly proud of.  He picked up some cherry tomatoes, the golden orange kind, the deeper the orange color the better, and they were the sweetest I had ever tasted; then he directed me to the freshest greenest best smelling  basil and dill, combined with the tomatoes, they left a taste sensation I won’t soon forget. Then, I just had to have a taste of the plums, and , when he peeled back the husk of a corn and gave me a section to try, I was frankly taken aback.  You mean I don’t have to cook it first? I bit into it, and it was pretty good. (Still prefer my corn on the Cobb BBQ style).

Josh’s Organic Garden is unique even as farmers’ markets go:

• 1.Right on the Beach, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean
• 2. Josh:  he picks the produce the night before. It doesn’t come any fresher
  
• 3. Josh: what he doesn’t sell gets distributed to homeless shelters.

If you’ve been to Josh’s, you know what I’m talking about.  Please feel free to share your great Josh’s Organic Garden experience.

Aventura is known for its great schools, both public and private. And, located between Fresh Market and Whole Foods, the opportunities for food shopping are amazing. Not only can you find all these urban amenities at your doorstep, but the Venture itself has some pretty terrific features:

• a South Beach-y pool area,
• private screening room
• complete fitness gym.
• business & social rooms
• split-plan layouts
• sliding doors to large balconies

The Penthouse units are especially attractive, in that the ceilings are 10 feet high. Penthouse #16 has great water views, and can now be purchased at an amazingly low price. So come check it out! http://sef.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=972257349&s=SEF&t=SEF

On 2 different occasions, once when I had to bring my young daughter to the emergency room at Joe Dimaggio, the children’s wing of the Memoral Regional Hospital, www.memorialregional.com and another time when my husband was rushed to the emergency room at Aventura Hospital www.aventurahospital.com . Both times, I was truly amazed by the attention and speed of care. We were immediately admitted, tests were administered, before anyone even asked how we would be paying.

And that is how emergency rooms in American hospitals work: you cannot be denied medical attention. This is in sharp contrast to the Canadian system, where, through personal experience, I have seen patients waiting for hours before any triage was done, and being required to show some proof for payment. Now that is sicko.

Thai Sushi by the Beach or the SugarReef are among my personal favorites.

The best part of cruising for me: not the food, not the places you visit, but the chance to disconnect along with your fellow travelers; everyone from young to old gets to spend the time as they choose. And you don’t have to put on weight!

Add this gem of a farmer’s market to all the reasons why you should live near the Hollywood Boardwalk.

For about the last 4 and 1/2 years, Josh has been bringing fruits & veggies so fresh, they can be on your table within 24 hours of having been picked in the field. Organics don’t come any better or fresher, as Josh’s devotees congregate from near and far to sample wares and try juice concoctions made right on the spot, all within steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

Check out my future posts on Hollywood Beach & Boardwalk, and why I think it’s one of the best places in the world to adopt as your ‘hood.

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With the full moon casting its magic ( and blessings), on the ocean- side activities, a crowd of many on-lookers had gathered at the Hollywood Beach Theatre: the outdoor bandshell memorialized in that steamy crime mystery flick, Body Double. Many, like me, attracted by the music, or just the curiosity about an Event.

Then, I saw the banner, proclaiming a baptism on the Beach, sponsored by those papal hounds, Dunkin Donuts??? First, DD announces that they will ban transfats in their donuts, appealing to adherents of diet orthodoxy. Now, they’re wooing the baptismal crowd, complete with Christian rock band. And everyone, whatever their state of attire, or religious affiliation, wore smiles on their faces!

And that’s why I love the Hollywood Boardwalk! You never know what you’re going to find.