Last week we focused on the history of Palm Beach County - this week, the spin will be more on what’s new, what’s up and coming, and what’s next.

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Without further ado …

AQUASAN Juno Beach

A new Asian restaurant has debut’d in Juno Beach, right across the road from the Loggerhead Marine Life center - a unique mixture of Asian food with a splash of Hawaiian, backed by restauranteur Patrik Waxin. A man whose name I’ve heard, but I’m unsure about what context.

Regardless, the restaurant features a variety of Asian/American food with unique combinations you don’t usually see on a menu - Thai inspired sliders, Chinese inspired empanadas, that sort of thing.

On first glance, the item that stands out the most on the menu is the General Tso’s Chicken … and waffle sando. I don’t know if that’s my taste, but as I am writing this while hungry, I would try it.

In all seriousness, this seems like a place to be for an interesting meal if you’re looking to mix it up… and on the drinks side, they seem to have that figured out as well with a full bar and a daily “social hour” from 4-6pm with $5 beers and food specials.

The drinks menu appears to hold up its end of the bargain as well - a variety of alcohol is available in various formats, with various mixers, including rum, whiskey, sake and other standard fare.

Worth a look, and if interested you can check out their website right here.

Vanderbilt is Coming To Town

This is a bit older of a news story, but one that warrants attention nonetheless.

Vanderbilt University (that’s right, the one in Tennessee) is planning on opening a grad school campus right in downtown West Palm Beach, with the project starting in 2026 - the proposed area includes many of the lots between the 360 Rosemary building and the WPB Tri-Rail station, with the curriculum to focus on business, data and AI.

While the mockups of the campus are beautiful, as you can see here - what intrigues more is the vision.

To pull the grad campus down here, across several state lines - from a prestigious school like Vanderbilt, no less - is a major step forward for the area from an innovation standpoint. There are already many young, inspired people moving down this direction hoping to make an impact in business, technology, real estate, etc. This will only accelerate that trend, and some of the brightest minds in America will have the chance to get their start down here.

I’m sure that many reading this have some level of “new apartment fatigue” driving around and seeing construction all over the place, but this legitimately might be one of the most exciting new construction projects in America as far as the implication. Unlike many existing developments - though they may serve a purpose - this one more than all the others is a massive investment into the future of the greater Palm Beach County area.

Additionally, this campus may provide Vanderbilt with a unique and previously untapped edge … in recruiting for their football program, which has been a laughingstock of the SEC since it was formed in 1933. With all the football talent down here, they may have a chance to break the curse !

Currie Corridor

The new development in the area is not limited to buildings & restaurants. If you live in West Palm, you may be familiar with Currie Park - north on Flagler, towards Northwood Village.

When I first moved into the area, I frequently visited here to play tennis - but there was not much doing in the rest of the park.

Plans are in place to transform the park into a more “vibrant” version of itself, with new walking paths, greenways, trees, enclosed public space and the hopeful activation of the empty lot next to Park West apartments.

Like everywhere else, the northern part of the city is being developed rapidly; but it’s excellent to see some of the area being devoted to public greenery & space.

With how beautiful the view of the island already is from this park, I’m excited to see what it looks like when it’s all said & done - the fences are already up and the construction will finish within a few years.

Bedner’s Farm

Now, to switch it up - one of my personal favorite grocery stores & establishments in Palm Beach County, Bedner’s Farm. Bedner’s was established in 1960 by Arthur Bedner, a Pennsylvania farmer.

Bedner & his wife relocated to Florida and established the same farm run by his children & grandchildren today, distributing cucumbers & peppers across the east coast.

More importantly, if you live in the area, you can visit the farm itself or the store locations in Delray & West Palm Beach. In a world full of large chain retailers, box stores, and fast food, to have such quality at your fingertips & at an affordable price is incredible.

Everything in the store is fresh - the eggs are from the farm, the meats are prime, and the jams, made with the Bedner’s label, are spectacular. Additionally, I’ve noticed there’s typically a deal on fresh bread right when you walk into the store. It’s the real stuff - the kind that goes bad when you leave it too long, unlike most of the preservative filled garbage you can find anywhere nowadays.

Truly, Bedner’s is a refreshing breath of air in a world which has moved away from local farmers. For the freshest ingredients, stop by and check them out - you won’t regret it.

I’ve linked their website here, and rest assured, the post is not sponsored. They’re truly that good !

Various Tidbits From Around The County

I’ve been looking for a way to condense all my half-baked thoughts each week and settled on this:

• Toojay’s Deli Chicken Caesar Wrap - an impressive 7.2/10, and I still need to try a meal they’re more “known for.” Tasty & clean.

• Riverbend Park in Jupiter - great family fun, and there is a cool old sawmill on the property for those interested in such things. You can walk right up to it

• The Palm Beach Cardinals will be in town this weekend at Roger Dean Stadium, you can look at tickets here

And that’s all I got for you this week ! As always, hope you enjoyed and see you next Wednesday.

And if you haven’t already …