Marti's Deli and Cafe: Boca's Best-Kept Secret

If you've never eaten at Marti's Deli and Cafe, located at 1159 South Federal Highway (just one block south of the Camino Real "Mercado" Publix, on the east side of the road), you've been depriving yourself of some of the best, moderately priced food in Boca. Don't be misled by the word "deli" in the title: owner Ron Gentile is a chef who constantly finds new and creative ways to delight his customers, using only the freshest of ingredients and produce.

As someone who's frequented the place quite often due to its proximity to my home and my own aversion to cooking, I can personally testify to the delicious, home-cooked quality of Marti's offerings, as well as the cleanliness of the establishment. Aside from being being a fabulous chef, Ron is also quite meticulous about running a perpetually health inspector-ready operation -- one in which the spotless kitchen is in plain sight for all customers to observe.

The varied menu includes "The Best Matzo Ball Soup in Town" (accompanied daily by homemade chicken noodle soup and a soup du jour); to-die-for patty melts & burgers; crisp, healthy salads (Chicken Caprese, Chicken Greek, Chef's Salad and Cobb to name just a few); and all-day, all-American breakfasts like the hearty "2/2/2" (2 eggs any style, 2 pancakes and your choice of 2 bacon slices or 2 sausage patties).

Accompanying the wonderful food is a friendly, hometown atmosphere where everyone is greeted warmly and made to feel like one of the family. Ron's wife and co-owner Marti -- the inspiration for the deli's name -- offers a big smile and genuine welcome to all who enter. And whether you choose to sit at the counter or at a table, you'll find the "regulars" to be just as down-to-earth and approachable.

Oh, and did I mention Ron's baked goods?

From double-chocolate brownies to his signature "Morning Glory" muffins (featuring shredded carrots, raisins and other healthy ingredients), you'll find a treat to satisfy every preference.

Pressed for time?

Take-out and free delivery are available. And if you're trying to get a little work done while dining in, they also offer free WI-FI.

Hosting a big party or gala?

Be sure to ask Marti about their catering options. From corporate lunches to Jewish High Holidays and graduation celebrations, Marti's Deli and Cafe serves up delicious, elegant feasts at reasonable prices.

Stop by Marti's today, or give them a call at (561) 392-7272. Your taste buds will thank you!

Royal Nails in Boca Raton takes the "guilt" out of girly guilty pleasures

If you're a girly-girl in South Florida who loves to look good (hey, doesn't that describe most females in The Sunshine State?) and enjoys the indulgence of a pampering pedicure or a delectable paraffin treatment, Royal Nails in Boca Raton is your destination for affordable beauty treatments at working-girl prices.

Owners Wa and Kim - living the American Dream since moving here from Vietnam -- offer upscale spa and salon regimens without the exorbitant price tags we're accustomed to here in Palm Beach County's most celebrated city. Their moderately priced menu of cosmetic offerings will have you looking and feeling great, while keeping your wallet intact -- an especially appealing quality in a tough economy for all of us gals who refuse to give up life's little luxuries. After all, times may be tough, but we still wanna feel pretty.

If perfectly polished acrylic nails are your passion, choose from a selection of OPI colors -- from the wild to the mild -- or go for the classic elegance of the pink-and-white (my preference since they blend well with every outfit and can last up to four weeks, while still lookin' good).

For those who favor a good, old-fashioned manicure, family member and co-worker Leslie will buff and polish until your nails are magazine-worthy. The only salon member who also does waxing, I can personally testify that Leslie is the very best at shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted lip hair. And for those ladies who desire to look sexy in their beach bikinis, she also does Brazilian waxing, along with legs, armpits and other inconvenient places.

She'll even remove your guy's unwanted back hair -- in a private room, of course -- accompanied by the relaxing melodies of jazz or classical music.

Do your feet need some pampering refreshment? Wa, Kim and Leslie all excel at spa pedicures, where they'll knead and massage aching calves, soles and toes until you feel the invigorating tingles that will make you feel as if you're walking on air.

Best of all, unlike similarly priced salons that herd the masses in and out like cattle, Royal Nails maintains a friendly, clean and comfortable atmosphere -- one in which all customers are treated respectfully. You'll never feel rushed or under-appreciated at Kim and Wa's establishment, which is why I've been a loyal customer since they opened in 2002.

Oh, and if you're hungry, neighboring Marti's Deli and Cafe will be happy to deliver!

Though they accept walk-ins, due to high volume, I recommend calling ahead for an appointment at 561-417-5525, to ensure your turn in the coveted pedicure chair.

See you at Royal Nails on Federal Highway in Boca Raton!