THE SCENE MAKER: MARK P. ALEXANDER

Who he is: Mark Alexander is the director of the Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, and experience in the Fortune 500 for-profit universe, Alexander transitioned into the not-for-profit world of the performing arts. For about 10 years, Alexander served Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, as director of education and community affairs and as interim executive director.

Then he spent two years as executive director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Long Island. And then came Palm Beach State College in 2001, as the director of the 700-seat Duncan Theatre and 122-seat Stage West, both on the Lake Worth Campus. The venues feature the Professional Guest Artist Series, which kicks off the 2012-13 season with Titanic: The Musical on Nov. 15, and more than 160 college-based events each year.

Alexander, who is single, lives in Wellington and loves the equestrian culture of the village.

Favorite breakfast place: Strathmore Bagels in Wellington. Their feta and spinach omelet with an asiago bagel and fresh brewed coffee is pure morning heaven that lasts all day long. Growing up in northern Jersey just outside New York City, I know great deli, and the hustle and bustle feels like my former home!

Strathmore Bagels, 4095 U.S. 441, Wellington. Info: (561) 357-0044; strathmorebagels.com

Favorite coffee spot: I’m a Starbucks guy. Can’t get through a day without really good coffee, lots of it. The spot in Wellington at Forest Hill and Wellington Trace also supports local non-profits such as VSA Florida – Palm Beach County, by exhibiting and selling art work from their student artists. I love this particular Starbucks because of their support of VSA!

Starbucks, 12840 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Info: (561) 333-2049; starbucks.com

Favorite lunch spot: John G’s is still my favorite lunch place. The old location right on Lake Worth Beach was awesome, but it doesn’t matter as the awesome fish platter is as good as ever! I’ve recently switched from fried fish and fried potatoes to broiled fish and fruit and love it just as much. Their gazpacho is the best in town!

John G’s, 264 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. Info: (561) 585-9860; johngs.com

Favorite fine-dining restaurant: Michael McCarty’s on Palm Beach. Beside the great “summer of the grape” special they run annually, the fried green tomato is perfection.

Michael R. McCarty’s Palm Beach, 50 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. Info: (561) 659-1899; michaelrmccarthyspalmbeach.com |

Favorite restaurant to take out of town guests: For a low-key dinner, with the best BBQ around, I take family and friends to Mississippi Sweets at Lake Worth Road and S.R. 441. Friendly staff, reasonable prices and the best ribs and rotisserie chicken.

Mississippi Sweets, 9859-29 Lake Worth Road at U.S. 441, Lake Worth. Info: (561) 642-4748; mississippisweetsbbq.com

Favorite boutique or store for browsing or buying: Williams Sonoma – I am hooked on kitchen gadgets and all things food. Probably has a lot to do with my Italian heritage, but seriously, there’s no place better to get new entertaining and cuisine ideas than by visiting a WS near you!

Williams-Sonoma at the Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., #223, Wellington. Info: (561) 333-3149; williams-sonoma.com