There will be three-courses of bites beginning with Piquillos Rellenos, ground beef-stuffed piquillo peppers and scalloped potatoes, perfectly matched with Altos Ibericos Crianza. The second course features Montadito de Chistorra, a Spanish-style sausage with piquillo confit, shredded Manchego and crisp pan de cristal paired with Altos Ibericos Reserva. The experience concludes with Calamares a la Riojana, composed of calamari, Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, ñora pepper paste, and red wine sofrito on a toasted baguette, complemented by Malpastor Reserva. Each bite was hand-selected to harmonize with its paired wine, ensuring a well-curated and satisfying tasting.

As an added perk, guests will receive a $10 coupon toward their next masterclass booking, encouraging them to continue their wine journey throughout the year. Additional class themes, dates and details TBA. Additionally, those who wish to extend their evening can enjoy a 10% discount on dinner following the event, the perfect opportunity to savor even more of Bulla’s authentic Spanish flavors.

With this quarterly wine series, Bulla is bringing a taste of Spain to wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike, ensuring a memorable experience that blends culture, education and hospitality. Available at all Bulla locations, secure your spot on EventBrite to be part of the first-ever Spanish Wine Masterclass.

Choose from one of these Bulla locations:

Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables: 2500 Ponce de Leon in Coral Gables, FL

Bulla Gastrobar Doral: 5335 NW 87th Avenue, C102 in Doral, FL

Bulla Gastrobar Tampa:  930 S Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL

Bulla Gastrobar The Falls: 8870 SW 136th Street, Suite RR01 in Miami, FL

Bulla Gastrobar Winterpark: 110 South Orlando Avenue, #7 in Winter Park, FL

For more information about any location, please visit bullagastrobar.com.

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To that end, and much like its northern predecessor, Rosemary’s Miami is firmly planting its roots by repurposing a single-story shoe warehouse and adjacent empty lot, transforming them into a lush oasis for al fresco dining, set amidst an urban farm that evokes the aura of a lush, charming Tuscan villa. No doubt, Rosemary’s Miami delivers a thoughtful and elevated dining experience rooted in sustainability and locally sourced ingredients while reminding the wider community that great design and food can be approachable.  

At the helm in Miami is Executive Chef Craig Giunta, whose impressive vitae includes Mother Wolf, Concours Club, and Macchialina. At Rosemary’s, the kitchen is just steps away from its freshest ingredients—literally. The restaurant’s on-site urban garden, created in collaboration with Little River Cooperative, brings Miami’s vibrant flavors to life with homegrown citrus, herbs, vegetables, and flowers.?From fragrant rosemary and fennel to zesty kumquats and key limes, Giunta incorporates garden-grown ingredients into nearly every dish.  

The menu – echoing Rosemary’s deep-rooted connection to the land – showcases a variety of seasonal vegetables, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood. Diners can expect an array of focaccia, along with house favorites such as Eggplant Caponata with roasted vegetables, pine nuts, and agrodolce, and Orecchiette with house-made sausage, broccoli rabe, Fresno chili and Parmigiano. Dishes exclusive to the Miami location include a Crudo of bluefin tuna, seasonal citrus, fennel, coriander, and basil; Linguini with Florida Rock Shrimp, lemon, bomba chilis, and garlic; and Heritage Porchetta with zucchini salad and Calabrian date hot sauce.?For dessert, guests can indulge in the popular Olive Oil Cake, Tiramisu, and Bombolini with Nutella crema. A creative cocktail list offers Italian spritzes, zero-proof libations, and twists on the classics. The wine list features Italian wines, curated to complement the menu. 

Rosemary’s is named after Suarez’s mother and pays tribute to her delicious, made-with-love home-cooked meals and the vegetable garden she tends in Lucca, Italy. It was the glow of these memories that sowed the seeds for what would become Rosemary’s – a restaurant that evokes the spirit of a family dining room warmed by the craft and the affection emanating from the kitchen. Combining a relaxed, botanical design, polished yet hospitality-focused service style, and delicious, reasonably-priced food, Rosemary’s is the type of neighborhood restaurant any neighborhood wants and deserves.  

Designed by NYC interior design firm Dekar Design, who created all seven Casa Nela restaurants, the 7,000 square foot indoor-outdoor space evokes the feeling of an urban farmhouse, combining rustic charm with modern touches. An outdoor garden provides the perfect cultivation area for in-house produce and herbs. 

Rosemary’s is located at 322 NW 25th Street in Miami, Florida. Dinner is served Sunday – Thursday, 5PM – 10PM; Friday & Saturday, 5PM – 11PM.  Lunch, Brunch, and Happy Hour coming soon. For additional information, visit: www.rosemarysnyc.com/location/miami.

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The name, La Cañita, which translates to “little sugarcane” in Spanish reflects the heart and soul of the restaurant. It embodies its vibrant essence and rich backstory honoring the menu’s bold and exciting flavors while paying tribute to the spirited rum culture throughout the islands, from Cuba and Jamaica to Haiti, Puerto Rico and points between. To that end, La Cañita offers an extensive drink menu with expertly crafted cocktails. Highlights include a classic Mojito made with four-year Flor de Caña, lime, sugar, mint, soda, and bitters; the Margarita Queen featuring Patron El Cielo, Grand Marnier, lime and salted air foam; and the Cacao Negroni crafted with Mijenta Reposado, Cascara Vermouth, Campari and Creme de Cacao, among other tempting libations.  

Created by none other than Miami culinary icon, Chef Michelle Bernstein, the vibrant menu features dishes that showcase Latin and Caribbean cuisine along with influences from Central and South America. Diners can find a wide variety of unique and delicious dishes on the menu including Croquetas and Empanadas to start, along with Conch Fritters dusted with powdered sugar, key lime dipping sauce; Mixed Seafood Ceviche with sweet potato and cancha; and Pork Belly glazed with citrus-bourbon BBQ. Entrée highlights include Potato Gnocchi Carbonara with crunchy prosciutto, roast tomatoes; Caribbean Bouillabaisse prepared with sofrito, shrimp, fish, calamari and shellfish, lime and chilies; Lechon Asado with steamed yuca, chicharrones and mojo de ajo; and Churrasco Ropa Vieja served with arroz, frijoles and platanos maduros.  

“La Cañita’s expansion has been years in the making and we are so excited to bring its full vision to life in Kendall,” says partner David Martinez, who co-owns the concept with Chef Bernstein, Davide Borgia and Orestes Pajon. “We first introduced La Cañita in 2021 with a smaller, streamlined version at Miami’s Bayside Marketplace which quickly became a local favorite. Now, we’re thrilled to bring the new flagship location to Palms at Town & Country and to give guests an exciting, fun experience that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, not just from Cuba and Puerto Rico, but also Haiti and all of the amazing cultures that contribute to the local flavor of Miami.” 

Located at 8405 Mills Drive, Suite 203, La Cañita Kendall seats close to 180 people between the al fresco patio, spacious dining room, private dining area and buzzing bar. The work of Locus Architecture and featuring a stunning interior design curated by Chef Michelle Bernstein’s sister, Nicolette Bernstein, the 5,434 square-foot restaurant space echoes the look and feel of an island-kissed rum distillery, sure to evoke feelings of seaside escape in the heart of Miami-Dade County.  For more information, please visit www.lacanitamiami.com.

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The top photo worthy moments to catch at this year’s Festival include:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

• A new walk-around event Alex vs Miami hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong inspired by her hit Food Network show, Alex vs America.
• Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® hosted by Rachael Ray returns to the sands of Miami Beach with over 30 burgers competing for the title of The Very Best Burger Award which will be selected by a celebrity panel of judges including: Tyler Cameron, Owen Han, Rita Tennyson and The VIP Girls.FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
• Guy Fieri will host Coca-Cola presents Tournament of Champions, an epic culinary competition where four teams—each led by a past winner from his hit Food Network series—will battle it out on the sands of Miami Beach for top honors.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

• New to the Festival, the Only in Dade Rewind, will take the stage at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Tasting Tents presented by Invesco QQQ & Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove with a “Miami Rewind” freestyle-era themed party featuring live music performances, freestyle hits, Miami’s own DJ Laz, neon and vintage-inspired decor, authentic 305 flavors and more.
• ABSOLUT® Vodka Drag Brunch, hosted by Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski, The View’s Ana Navarro and her pup ChaCha, will take the stage at the Miami Beach Bandshell featuring show-stopping performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Alexis Michelle and Meatball and Key West star Randy Roberts.
• Katie Lee will host the new Sip & Swirl: A Wine Happy Hour just steps away from Biscayne Bay
• Aarón Sánchez will host the wildly popular Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores.
• Emmy award winning journalist Belkys Nerey & host of America’s #1 sports broadcast Dan Le Batard will take center stage at A Sunset Feast sponsored by Grove Bay Hospitality Group & Friends part of The Hangar Event Series sponsored by Capital One.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

• Marcus Samuelsson returns to celebrate the historic neighborhood of Overtown and its culinary talents with the new Overtown Gospel Brunch hosted by the celebrity chef himself and friends with special performances by Florida Fellowship Super Choir.

• American actress Eva Longoria and The View’s Ana Navarro will take the stage at Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village’s featuring Tasting Tents presented by Invesco QQQ & Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove.
• Rapper and songwriter Fat Joe will also be making an appearance at Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village showcasing Sonrisa Rum, his Puerto Rican Rum brand.
• The David Grutman Experience returns to transform the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village courtyard into a high-energy mini-music festival, featuring none other than Flo Rida and DJ Irie.
• A new grand finale event, Asian Night Market hosted by Andrew Zimmern, Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira, will feature a special performance by Rev Run and close out the Festival weekend.

Tickets for the Festival are On Sale NOW, with plenty of options to suit your taste and budget at sobewff.org.

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Event attendees of all ages can enjoy live music by the local band Remix, yard games, giveaways, and a variety of food and drinks available for purchase. During the event, the community is also invited to engage with City departments, which will have display booths where attendees can meet City staff members and learn more about the services the City provides to residents and businesses.

Mayor Scott Singer will deliver a State of the City Address, highlighting the City’s accomplishments and priorities as it looks toward the future. City Council members will also be in attendance to connect with and converse with residents.

“The State of the City & Community Celebration is a great opportunity to reflect on everything that makes Boca Raton such a special place to live, work, learn, and play,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “As we celebrate our progress and look ahead to a bright future in our Centennial year, we’re excited to continue building a community that thrives together.”

For both longtime residents and newcomers, this event is a chance to celebrate, connect, and take pride in the Boca Raton community. For more information, visit the State of the City & Community Celebration webpage at https://www.myboca.us/2434/State-of-the-City-Community-Celebration.

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Since news broke that Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli and Paul Greenberg, owners of P Hospitality Management, were opening Eddie & Vinny’s Coastal Italian in the former Tavolino Della Notte space in Coral Springs, anticipation has been high. Now, those eagerly waiting can mark their calendars, as the restaurant will open to the public on Monday, March 17, 2025. The excitement is no surprise, given Tavolino’s past popularity. With its soulful Italian fare, ambitious cocktail program, and live entertainment, Tavolino—the brainchild of Ed Pozzuoli Sr., Eddie’s father—was a beloved destination in Coral Springs. The couple had been involved with the restaurant since 2012, helping it grow before deciding to sell. Now, they are transforming the space into a modern dining spot that honors its storied past.

Located at 10181 West Sample Road, Eddie & Vinny’s will bring a taste of culinary excellence with fresh, seasonal cuisine inspired by the Italian seaside, along with an array of Italian classics, an exceptional wine list, sophisticated cocktails, and top-tier entertainment. “This is a family business if ever there was one,” says Eddie. “To be actively working to bring that space back to life and introduce something new and exciting to the community is a dream come true.”  

Tavolino premiered in 2007 by Pozzuoli Sr. and partner Thomas Genduso. For more than a dozen years the restaurant was a beloved neighborhood destination for diners seeking meticulously executed Italian cuisine and a bustling lounge scene with live music. The restaurant changed ownership in June 2019 and ultimately closed in March 2024, although the property remained owned by the Pozzuoli family.  

When its doors open, the 230-seat, indoor-outdoor space, designed by Anna Woodman, will feature a completely reimagined look that melds Mediterranean touches with contemporary elegance. Dark blues, caramel wood tones, brassy gold, and black & white touches will create an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication. Views into the kitchen, spacious and airy dining area, and a swanky new bar and lounge will meld seamlessly into one another to create a bustling and convivial atmosphere. It will boast a sleek, sexy design, plush barstools, and banquette seating, all perfect for enjoying a stellar lineup of live entertainment. Layered gold pendant lighting, black canvas exposed ceilings, and personal wine lockers – reflecting the bespoke wine membership that will be available – will complete the look. 

The exquisite, Italian-inspired menu is led by award-winning Chef Jeff Tunks, the talent behind the Corvina concept in Boca Raton; and Chef David Garcia, Corporate Executive Chef for Prezzo Restaurants. Garcia will now take on the role of Executive Chef at Eddie & Vinny’s. 

The menu features a variety of Raw & Cold Starters, Warm Appetizers, Salads, Fresh Pasta, Chicken, Fish, Prime Cuts, Sides and Desserts, promising a memorable dining experience for all. 

Dishes include starters such as Blue Crab Bruschetta –  Jumbo lump crab, Campari tomatoes, Stracciatella and grilled ciabatta; “Black & Blue” Seared Beef Carpaccio –  black truffle aioli, charred cipollini onions, arugula and blue cheese; The Wagyu Meatball – crispy cheese polenta, marinara and basil ricotta cheese; Chargrilled Octopus – Heirloom tomato, cannellini beans, panzanella, tomato pesto and Ricotta Salata and Steamed PEI Mussels “Sorrento” — sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, Limoncello cream, and grilled focaccia.  

House-made pastas will be plentiful with dishes like Spicy Rigatoni Vodka; Malfadine Cacio E Pepe; Lobster Linguine Fra Diavolo and Lasagna “Timballo Teramo” – Abruzzo-style layered Crepe Lasagna, Wagyu Bolognese and Four Cheese Mornay. Entrees will run the gamut from steaks to seafood with dishes like Local Yellowtail Livornese with olives, capers, tomato and Pinot Grigio and a Tuscan Cowboy Ribeye Steak with rosemary & balsamic glazed cipollini onions. Of course, diners craving beloved classics (chicken parmigiana anybody?) will not be disappointed.  

Freshly made desserts, an Italian-influenced wine list, and various classic and creative cocktails will also be available. 

Eddie & Vinny’s is slated to open on Monday, March 17 at 10181 West Sample Road in Coral Springs.

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Panamericano Bar

Panamericano Bar will be celebrating National Margarita Day with a week-long special – the Ancestral Margarita. In line with the bar’s focus of the American continents, this thoughtfully crafted cocktail pays homage to ancient Mesoamerican traditions. Mezcal, the earliest agave distillate, serves as the base, elevated by an orange peel infusion in place of traditional orange liqueur. Honey, historically used in sacred cacao ceremonies, adds natural sweetness, balanced by lime, chocolate bitters, vanilla and a hint of spice. The result is a rich, complex blend of chocolate and orange flavors that honors the origins of great taste while offering a fresh twist on the classic Margarita. The special cocktail will be available from February 18-23. 

Smorgasburg Miami

Miami’s favorite open-air market, Smorgasburg Miami, is shaking up National Margarita Day with four specialty flavor options over the weekend – strawberry, mango, passionfruit and watermelon margaritas. Guests can kick things up a notch by making any margarita spicy.

SuViche (Doral & Wynwood)

Local hotspot, SuViche, will be toasting to National Margarita Day with all-day Happy Hour pricing on their Mediterranean Margarita. Available at SuViche’s Doral and Wynwood locations, the Mediterranean Margarita is elegant and tart, made with Codigo Blanco Tequila, Italicus Bergamot, agave and lime. It will be priced at $7 all day long. 

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February: A Month of Love and Harmony

Feel the love under the stars with a lineup dedicated to songs of love and harmony. The series kicks off on February 14 with Divas of Soul, featuring Latraia Savage in a tribute to Diana Ross. On February 21, “One Love” celebrates South Florida Reggae Month with a curated concert presented by the Bad Boys of Reggae, Inner Circle, featuring Third World with special guest Kumar Fyah. February concludes on a high note with All Fired Up, a tribute to Pat Benatar, on February 28. Fans can experience anthems like Heartbreaker, Love is a Battlefield, and We Live for Love as the month ends as vibrantly as it began.

March: A Celebration of Rock Legends

March 7 kicks off The LOOP’s Spring Break Series with Smokin’ Forever Foreigner, a tribute to Boston and Foreigner. On March 14, Absolute Def Leppard brings the energy and precision of one of rock’s most legendary bands. March 21 features Divas of Pop, a tribute to Blondie and No Doubt, with performances by Heart of Glass and Subliminal Doubt. The series closes on March 28 with American Idiots, a high-energy tribute to Green Day.

Full Performance Lineup:

• Feb. 14, 7 p.m.: Divas of Soul featuring Latraia Savage
• Feb. 21, 7 p.m.: One Love: Third World with special guest Kumar Fyah, presented by Inner Circle
• Feb. 28, 7 p.m.: All Fired Up – The Pat Benatar Experience
• March 7, 7 p.m.: Smokin’ Forever Foreigner (Boston and Foreigner Tribute)
• March 14, 7 p.m.: Absolute Def Leppard (Def Leppard Tribute)
• March 21, 7 p.m.: Divas of Pop (Blondie and No Doubt Tribute)
• March 28, 7 p.m.: American Idiots (Green Day Tribute)

Performance schedule subject to change.

Event Details:

• When: Every Friday from February 14 through March 28, 2025, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
• Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Cost: Free and open to the public

Parking: The most convenient parking is available at the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where visitors can use the PayByPhone app to extend parking remotely.

For more information, visit theloopflb.com.

About The LOOP

A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 million greenspace investment at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. It offers year-round activities, including free concerts, farmer’s markets, fitness events, and cultural celebrations.

The LOOP was recognized in Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s “The Best of Fort Lauderdale 2024” readers’ poll, earning accolades such as Best Outdoor Space (gold), Best Park (silver), and Best Farmers Market (silver).

Follow The LOOP on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

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“Giving back has always been part of the secret sauce at Stoner’s Pizza. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we wanted to spread the love in a way that truly matters. Because we don’t just serve food; we serve our local community. Through our ‘14 Days of Giving’ initiative, we’re honored to share thousands of slices with incredible nonprofits that are making a real difference in the lives of children and families across Broward County.”

Partners include SOS Children’s Villages Florida, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Kids in Distress, Big Brothers Big Sisters, HANDY, The FLITE Center, Broward Children’s Center (North & South), Tomorrow’s Rainbow (Middle & High School), Children’s Harbor, Ann Storck Center, Junior Achievement of South Florida, among others.

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All of the above are “reality” shows intended to pair up singles who have had it with the traditional methods of meeting their match in real life. And based on the statistics, they don’t usually succeed. After 17 seasons and 69 couples paired on the show by professional matchmakers, as of August 2024, the success rate for Married at First Sight was 15.9%. And nearly every contestant, when asked in on-air interviews why they finally decided to take that route, said they considered it a last resort after a long run of striking out on dating apps and through traditional methods of meeting people, like bars or friends’ introductions.

As we approach 2025, the dating landscape in South Florida reflects broader national trends, characterized by a blend of traditional in-person interactions and digital platforms. The social environment is a tapestry of bars, clubs, and social events that cater to a wide range of age groups and interests. Organized events such as speed dating and singles mixers are commonplace now, providing structured opportunities for individuals to meet potential partners. 

But singles here do face some unique challenges. Florida has been ranked as one of the worst states for finding a mate, with the region’s high prevalence of identity theft and fraud complicating the dating scene and underscoring the importance of vigilance for those seeking connections both online and offline.

Speed dating has experienced a resurgence in popularity across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, as singles seek efficient and engaging ways to meet potential partners. The in-person dating method offers structured interactions, allowing participants to engage in multiple brief conversations within a single event. Typically, speed dating events are organized to cater to specific age ranges, ensuring participants meet others in their preferred demographic and allowing individuals to connect at similar life stages. As an example, Pre-Dating Speed Dating organizes events targeting various age groups, such as singles aged 24-39 and 36-54, creating opportunities for meaningful connections within these demographics. 

Speed dating boasts notable success rates compared to online dating platforms, perhaps because participants have the advantage of immediate, face-to-face interactions, allowing them to assess chemistry and compatibility in real-time. Pre-Dating reports that out of 10 potential partners presented at their events, individuals typically match with two to three, with more than two-thirds of participants matching with at least one person. CitySwoon, another organizer of speed dating events, claims a 90% chance of participants meeting someone with mutual interest at their events, highlighting the effectiveness of their algorithmic matching system. 

Dating preferences and methods vary significantly across different age groups, influencing the success rates of various platforms. In the 30- to 49-year-old age group, people often seek truly meaningful connections, gravitating toward apps like Hinge and Bumble, which promote serious relationships rather than “hook-ups.” The success rate in finding long-term partners increases with platforms that emphasize compatibility and detailed profiles.

Meanwhile, adults 50 and older tend to prefer traditional dating methods, such as meeting through mutual acquaintances or at social events. However, there is a growing acceptance of digital platforms like Match.com, which cater to those seeking serious, long-term relationships. The success rate is higher on platforms that offer comprehensive matching algorithms and cater to mature audiences.

Two South Florida daters in the 40-to-50+ age range that we spoke to have tried out the apps and the mutual acquaintance route. We asked them to give an overview of their experiences to help get a snapshot of what it’s like to put oneself “out there.”

SHE SAYS

At 49, Kellen Wolff, director of global client services with Verizon Business and a mother of two young children, has been divorced for two years but first separated from her ex-husband in 2020. With the chaos of the COVID pandemic and the process of the divorce itself wreaking havoc, she waited until 2022 to reenter the dating scene. Asked about the number-one thing she looks for in a partner, Wolff did not hesitate, replying, “Stability. And believe it or not, that’s hard to find at this point in life.” 

As an executive and the owner of a five-bedroom single-family home in Miramar, Wolff says, “Emotionally, financially and mentally, at my age there are a lot of men who are also divorced, and because of that they are often starting from scratch. They may have financial obligations to a family, they used to have a residence but now they’re living in a studio because the ex and the kids live in the house—sometimes they even live with a roommate. That doesn’t compare to my circumstances.”

Wolff admits that her expectations and priorities have changed drastically from her younger days. “They’ve definitely shifted,” she says. “When I was in my 20s, the guys I dated were still up-and-coming, so it was a little different. The focus then was, where are you going to be later in life? And they had to be physically attractive. I don’t want to say that I waive that now — it’s not a necessity, but if there’s no chemistry, it doesn’t work. When I was younger, I would bypass their IQ if they were attractive, whereas now if you can’t hold a conversation, or If I can’t leave you in a room with my peers who are executives and you can’t hold it down, I can’t be with you. If my mind is not stimulated, I will get bored. I’m already a mother, I don’t want to be a mother to a man.” Financial stability is equally important. “I need him to have that because I have it,” she says. 

Many of the potential partners she’s met have not been fully transparent. “For example, they might have owned a home, but as the result of a divorce, they don’t anymore,” she says. “‘Oh, I do but my ex-wife lives there,’” Wolff says. “The lie turns me off. Had you been honest, depending on the other qualities, if everything else checks the box, I get it. It’s a struggle coming out of a divorce. I know, because I had to pay my ex out and I have to pay him child support. But if you’re lying about that, what else are you lying about? That’s a red flag.”

The biggest challenge she has encountered, however, is intimidation of her professional and financial success. “I’ve had to downplay my title and my financial situation because many men get intimidated if you’re more successful and make more money than they do,” she says. “It’s happened more than once. When I noticed this was how they were, I wouldn’t discuss those things anymore. I would wait it out before I opened up about my professional situation. My house is big, so I’d wait before letting them come. I stopped telling people I had investment properties in New York and condos here. I had to show more feminine energy than the masculine energy that women have to have to be successful.”

Happily, Wolff did eventually find her match. In December 2022, she hit it off with someone; they dated on and off because of various family circumstances, but since April 2024, she notes, “things have been smooth.” 

“He’s very respectful and loving,” she says. “In my old relationship, I didn’t have that. He makes me a priority, whereas I wasn’t before. He wants to take care of me, even though I can take care of myself. I don’t need that, but I want it.” Because she shares custody of her children with her ex-husband, she has time to devote to the relationship. “It’s rewarding to find someone with the same goals or vision at this stage of life, and that compatibility and chemistry. If you didn’t have those things in your 20s and 30s, who cares? He looked good and had a Viper. It didn’t matter, it was more superficial. Now, it’s not.”

Asked if she has any advice to offer middle-aged daters, Wolff, says, “Don’t give up. There’s someone out there for everyone. I love love. To me, it’s so rewarding when you find someone who treats you right and you finally feel appreciated. Love yourself first. Once you do that, you won’t compromise and settle, and then you end up where you were before with someone you. And enjoy it. It’s a process. It’s not going to be the first person. If it is, great, but you may have to date a lot of frogs.” 

HE SAYS
Middle-aged dating in 2025 comes with its own unique set of challenges, as Michael Siracusa, a 51-year-old project manager from Lake Worth, Florida, reflects. Having been married briefly many years ago during his time in the military, like Wolff, Siracusa is now focused on finding stability, not just financially, but in life. 

“Stability is number one. When you’re young, you don’t care because you think you can grow that,” he says. “Also, as you age, of course, you have issues, but I’d like to be with someone who is fairly healthy.” Kids factor into his criteria as well. “At this stage of my life, if they do have kids, I prefer they are older rather than younger — or out of the house.”                                                                                                                                                         

That sentiment is in keeping with Wolff’s revelation that with age, expectations shift. Siracusa is no longer seeking a potential mother for his children, but someone with shared values and interests.

One deal breaker for him is avoiding getting involved with a woman who is just coming out of a relationship or shouldering a lot of debt. “I enjoy life and I don’t want to become embroiled in cleaning up someone else’s mess,” he says. The flip side to that is that often the women he’s met who are high-earning professionals are “less inclined to compromise.”

Dating apps used to be his go-to, but these days Siracusa is more hesitant to use them. He shared one memorable experience where, after hitting it off with a woman on Match.com, their conversation abruptly ended when their differences on Disney came to light. “I’m a big kid, I work my ass off, and Disney — the adult version — is something I enjoy,” he said. “But this woman was completely against Disney, even saying she hated them as a corporation. And I thought, oh my God, Disney killed the chat,” he laughs. “I never even met her in person after that, because what’s the point?” 

Another woman he met on the app admitted to him that she was in it for the free meals she would enjoy on dates. “There’s always a story,” he laughs. “I’ve also met women who wanted to find a husband so they could become an American citizen.”

Today, Siracusa says, he shies away from dating apps. He’s open to and considering speed dating but prefers introductions from friends and clients. He met his former fiancée through a client; their story ultimately ended during the pandemic lockdown, when things became too close for comfort as they quarantined with her two grown daughters for an extended period. 

Despite the challenges, Siracusa remains optimistic. At this stage of life, he’s no longer willing to compromise, whatever it takes. “It’s not easy as you get older, but you can’t settle,” he says. “You want what you want.”

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