By ROD STAFFORD HAGWOOD

Hundreds of South Florida’s beautiful women auditioned for America’s Next Top Model on Saturday at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

South Florida auditions for Cycle 17 started at 9 a.m. and were set to run through 4 p.m. Registration for the event ended at 2 p.m.

America’s Next Top Model returns on the CW on Wednesday, Feb. 23, from 8 to 9 p.m.

Cycle 16 includes two South Floridians: Angelia from Pembroke Pines (via Germany) and Mikaela from Boca Raton.

Sarah Shahi plays Kate Reed in USA's 'Fairly Legal'.

By TOM JICHA

The programmers at NBC ought to pick the brains of their counterparts at USA. While NBC can’t come up with a scripted hit, its sister cable network keeps churning them out. “Fairly Legal” looks like another one.

Adhering to its mantra “characters welcome,” USA has created another dandy. Kate Reed is sexy and tough, strong willed and vulnerable. The complete package makes her and the show irresistibly likable. It’s a star-making turn by Sarah Shahi.
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Baltimore Crab Cakes are a big reason to seek out Riggins Crabhouse in Lantana. (Post file photo)

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By CHARLYNE V. SCHAUB

First impression: Riggins is a little hard to get to because it is tucked behind a Publix in the Lantana Shopping Center adjacent to Interstate 95 . But this unpretentious eatery is well worth exploring. It has it all – the sound of wooden hammers hitting blue crabs and the distinct scent of Old Bay Seasoning. You won’t go wrong ordering any crab dish.

Ambience: Outfitted with simple captain’s chairs, lace curtains adorned with sailboats, six aquariums, the Maryland flag and copies of Baltimore magazine, the interior looks like it could be a crab restaurant on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Tables are set with white paper tablecloths and rolls of paper towels.

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By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL

Bigger is better for Nick Petakas and David Bader, who grew from an acoustic duo to the five-piece Harvey and the Buckets band.

“It’s definitely made a difference,” said Petakas, lead vocalist for the alt-country outfit.

The pair’s transition has taken them from laid back to laying down foot-stomping, rootsy riffs.
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Paul Pope (right) with Joey Fatone and Kelly Bensimon at the launch party for 'The Deeds of My Fathers'. (Mike Jachles Photo)

Page2Live: Tabloid stars, models, at Enquirer heir’s book launch | Photos

By CHAUNCEY MABE

When Paul David Pope lost his bid to take over his father’s company, The National Enquirer, in 1989, he did just what you’d expect from the third-generation poor little rich boy: He lost himself in sex and drugs and general debauchery.

But then Pope did the unexpected. Dusting himself off, he set out to become a respectable businessman and philanthropist.

“When my father passed away, I suffered and struggled,” says Pope, 42. “I thought of my father and the paper as one and the same. When I didn’t get The Enquirer, I truly lost my father.” Read the full story

Chad Waltrip and Stephanie Smith of Fort Lauderdale get a clue from a jester in England during the first episode of CBS' 'The Amazing Race'.

By TOM JICHA

Chad Waltrip and Stephanie Smith chose a unique way to really get to know each other. The Fort Lauderdale couple had just started dating when they decided to enter “The Amazing Race.”

The stress and duress of the grueling CBS reality competition, whose starting gun sounded Sunday, tends to bring out the best and worst in anyone. “It’s a crash course in a new relationship. You see what each other are like under pressure. I figured that if we could get through this together, our relationship would be a success,” Stephanie said.

Chad concurs. “You really learn a lot about each other.”
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First impression: Affordability is the watchword at this decade-old neighborhood Italian-American eatery. With its menu of pizza, pasta and every other conceivable Italian menu item, you’ll find something you’ll want to eat.

Background: Owner Concetta Menna grew up in the restaurant business in New York, where her dad owned several pizza places. She named her spot after her grandparents – Anna and Vincenzo – and the spot may best be known because it was featured on Fox TV’s Kitchen Nightmare, starring chef Gordon Ramsay, last March. The producers have asked to come back to see how she’s done since the makeover. Menna isn’t sure she wants to participate.

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By JOHN TANASYCHUK

First impression: Sophisticated, but not pretentious. Italian without any of the wise guy clichés. Owners Jamie Barlow and Lenny Prescott serve classics and modern riffs on Italian using only the best ingredients.

Background: Barlow graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island before making her way to South Florida. She landed first at The Breakers and then at Bova in Boca Raton before she and husband Prescott opened a catering company and, one year ago, a restaurant. She grew up in her parents’ Cranston, R.I., Italian restaurant.
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Chaiyo Thai in Delray Beach occupies a former Miami Subs location. (Photo by Dianna Smith)

More: Directions, write a review

By CHARLYNE VARKONYI SCHAUB

First impression: Many Asian restaurants concentrate more on the food than the decor. Not Chaiyo. This little gem pleases both the palate and the eye. It’s a family business led by owner Joe Sunantaprawhit, and his head chef wife, Siripen Kaewthontkhan. The food, decor and the graciousness of the wait staff transported me back to when I studied Thai cooking in Bangkok.

Ambience: This former Miami Subs has been transformed into a welcoming bistro. The changes may be simple but have great impact. A carved wood wall from Thailand creates a welcoming foyer. Orange and green cloth is draped from ceiling lanterns. Fresh orchids and linen napkins elevate its style. Diners may chose booths topped with carved wooden elephants, traditional tables or low Thai tables with cushions.

Starters: The appetizer platter ($12.95) is designed for two but could easily serve three. It offers pairs of spring rolls, prawn rolls, chicken satay, beef satay, golden flower and crispy tofu served with plum sauce, cucumber sauce and peanut sauce. Standouts are the tender chicken breasts and flavorful beef satays dipped into one of the best peanut sauces we’ve had anywhere, and the crunchy but not greasy vegetable spring rolls. We would pass on the prawn rolls and crispy tofu, which tasted more commercial than homemade. The beggar’s purse – rice paper filled with ground chicken, potatoes, onion and yellow curry – was too mild for our taste.

Entrée excellence: Chaiyo produces flavors from 0 stars (mild) to 3 stars (spicy). We suggest anything with the mango curry sauce, a golden blend of heat and sweetness with large chunks of fruit. Our favorites include the curry sauce with pork ($12.95) or scallops ($14.95). The standout was the steamed sea bass with ginger sauce ($19.95). Eat it with the finely sliced vegetables on your fork to help balance the assertive brown sauce. Other good choices include ginger garden with pork ($12.95) and pad Thai with chicken ($12.95). Be sure to ask for additional peanut sauce with the pad Thai.

Side issues: My sea bass was served with a salad. The house dressing, a creamy blend of sugar, mayonnaise and vinegar, went well with the dish but was more Western in flavor.

Sweet!: I have never been a fan of most Asian desserts, but the fried banana with coconut ice cream ($5.95) was superb. The ice cream tasted just like the best I’d had in Thailand . The fried banana, drizzled with chocolate sauce, was soft and the wrapper was perfectly browned without being greasy. The black sticky rice with coconut milk, a pleasant combination of hot and cold ($3), was less pleasing to my American palate.

Service: The staff, friendly without being overbearing, confirms why Thailand is called the "land of smiles." Water glasses are kept full and those other than your designated server are always willing to help – whether you desire another glass of wine or to have dishes removed.

Insider tip: Pay with cash and you can get a 10 percent discount. Wine is difficult to pair with Thai food. We suggest the 2007 Milbrant Vineyards Riesling ($26) from Washington state to balance the spices of the food.

Chaiyo Thai Bistro

FOOD: B+

SERVICE: A

ADDRESS: 14800 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach

TELEPHONE: (561) 499-8572

WEBSITE: chaiyothaibistro.com

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

HOURS: Lunch Monday—Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner Sunday—Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

CREDIT CARDS: MC, V,

AmEx, Disc

RESERVATIONS: No

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes, including restrooms

WHAT THE GRADES MEAN:

A – Excellent

B – Good

C – Average

D – Poor

F – Don’t bother

By ROD STAFFORD HAGWOOD

Lady Wings the Blues this is not.

Cyndi Lauper wants you to know she’s done her homework.

“I thought the blues spoke to what was going on now,” Lauper said. “I love singing this stuff, but I wanted to make a legit record. So I went to Memphis. Memphis has a soul.”

Lauper’s tour supporting her new 11th album, “Memphis Blues,” hits Miami’s Adrienne Arscht Center tonight.

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