Beth Buccini is a wondrous mother of eight: four she gave birth to herself and four she opened in different US locations over the last 20 years. While the former are regular kids, the latter are uber chic concept stores that won her the name of high-end fashion American deity. Her X-ray buying sight turned her first Kirna Zabete shop – opened in late 90s Sex-and-the-City’s-New-York – into one large-scale stylish saga. As Victoria Beckham and DVF, Buccini comes across as one of those mythical female figures in charge of their fashion empire as they are of their offspring. After her New York outpost, the Hamptons and Philadelphia quickly followed – where she then settled and opted for a Little House on the Pennsylvanian Prairie lifestyle.
Her last newborn has its crib on the island where villas have their own golf clubs and indoor arenas and where the palms’ fronds are always greener: i.e. lavishly hot Palm Beach. This is a town that holds a special place in Buccini’s glamorous heart as both her parents and in-laws have properties in the area. Therefore, it was only a matter of time until she brought the double B factor to Florida’s sumptuous side of paradise. “What I love so much about Palm Beach is how relaxed the area is, but also how dressed up everyone gets for any occasion”, says Buccini “I find so much joy there! My husband likes to joke that the whole family is afraid I’m never coming back”. And our immediate wish is to be one of her lucky relatives so that we too could make Palm Beach our office for the summer. Bearing that, we’re happy to live vicariously through BB’s and her top rate picks of the best of the island. Enjoy!
Grandview Public Market — If the word “market” was ever misused in the history of nouns, this would be it. Twelve chef-inspired vendors serve their mouth-watering delicacies inside a 1920s polished building. Basically, the Soho House of markets.
Address: 6909, 1401 Clare Ave
Sant Ambroeus — see the sparkle in our eye as we mention this? Possibly the highest achievement of the Milanese people in the world alongside San Francisco trams. “Don’t miss jazz night on Wednesdays with an amazing aperitivo” advises Buccini.
Address: 340 Royal Poinciana Way #304
Buccan — the king of effortless chic dining on the island. You won’t need to mortgage your house to eat here! All small plates recommended.
Address: 350 S County Rd
Echo — fancy setting out for Asia without ever leaving Palm Beach’s sandy shorelines? Mais oui, bien sûr. Choose among the widest acclaimed range of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Address: 230 Sunrise Ave
HMF — can we let you in on a secret? If your date brings you it means he’s a keeper. Reviews such as “Lobster pasta in Fontina cream sauce for me as I sit at a table opposite Brooke Shields.” are a staple on this fìsuperior restaurant’s Facebook page.
Address: 1 S County Rd
The Colony Hotel — Palm Beach’s answer to LA’s Beverly Hills Hotel. Run by babe Sarah Wetenhall and her darling husband, its colorful art deco interiors will have you dream the sweetest dreams. Buccini’s two cents: “Lunch by the pool is so chic and relaxing!
Address: 155 Hammon Ave
The Breakers Resort — If the Breakers’ walls could talk they’d probably never shut up, ever. When, in 1890s, socialites started flocking to the virgin shores of the island now known as Palm Beach, this was already a luxury building site with ocean views.
Address: 1 S County Rd
Church Mouse -“Palm Beach’s Goodwill” according to Buccini. Head here for “the most amazing finds from Chanel gloves to vintage crystal” where you’ll find your next wedding outfit and items for a moonlight ritual.
Address: 374 S County Rd
Dina C’s Fab & Funky Consignment Boutique — The absolute vintage mecca according to locals. A rescue place for fashion from the 1940s – 1990s to current couture if you ask Dina, the fabulous Canadian owner.
Address: 1609 S. Dixie Hwy Ste. 2 “The Gatsby Building”
Palm Beach Vintage — Every vintage pursuer’s wet dream! 90s Yves Saint Laurent silk blouses, extra Pucci scarfs and amazingly chic evening Dior gown from the 40s throng its Instagram alongside pictures of talismans, black cats and tiger shaped jewelry. In a nutshell, every vintage nut and witch’s dream!
Address: 3623 S Dixie Hwy
Pay a visit to the Norton Museum of Art that has just reopened after a massive renovation. Buccini reveals: “Don’t miss the gorgeous private garden!”
Address: 1450 S Dixie Hwy
Go for a bike ride on the iconic Palm Beach Lake Trail. “You can cruise from one end of the island to the other along the path bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. Be sure to rent the “Surrey” cycle from the Palm Beach Bicycle shop that seats 2 or 4 people and take the whole family!”
