Who he is: Caras began his career as a dancer with New York City Ballet. For 14 years, he danced under the leadership of the legend George Balanchine, performing masterpiece works choreographed by Balanchine, and many Jerome Robbins ballets.

Balanchine also mentored Caras as a photographer, which led to Caras’s second career as one of the most revered image makers of dance in history. His work continues to appear in major publications, films and documentaries, exhibitions and private collections, and PBS produced a recent documentary about him.

Today, Caras is in demand as a keynote speaker and guest teacher, but is most proud of his work in philanthropy. He serves as a trustee on a private foundation and is the founding chairman of two local charities: The Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts and College Drive.

On Jan. 14, Caras will interview Miami City Ballet’s new leader Lourdes Lopez at the Kravis Center’s first Lunch & Learn event in 2013. The ArtSmart Lunch & Learn Series is co-chaired by Caras and Lee Wolf. Tickets are $75, which includes a catered lunch by The Breakers. Info: 561-832-7469; www.kravis.org.

Favorite breakfast place?

Howley’s with my good friend Lee Bell (senior director of programming at Kravis). Lee loves the grits but I go for the Noah’s Ark-like people watching experience.

Howley’s, 4700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Info: 561-833-5691

Favorite lunch spot?

My close friend Susan Bloom and I love Belle & Maxwell’s but we also enjoy Nick’s Diner. Apple and brie sandwich at B & M is our favorite but at Nick’s it’s always chicken salad for Susan and turkey with provolone on whole wheat for me.

Belle & Maxwell’s, 3700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Info: 561-832-4449

Nick’s 50s Diner, 1900 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Info: 561-471-3155; nicks50sdiner.com

Favorite fine-dining restaurant?

Pistache. It’s an authentic French bistro. The food is delicious and consistent, it’s a beautiful setting and the service is refined.

Pistache, 101 N. Clematis St., Palm Beach County. Info: 561-833-5090; pistachewpb.com.

Favorite way/place to relax and recharge?

Relax: chick flicks. Recharge: the gym.

Favorite restaurant to take out of town guests?

Sunset Bar and Grill in Northwood. It’s equal parts “Cheers” and “Will and Grace.” The food is always great but a waitress named Nancy is the main attraction.

Sunset Bar & Grill, 2500 Broadway, West Palm Beach. Info: 561-832-2722; eatatsunset.com

Favorite tourist-y place to take out-of-towners?

Palm Beach. Just get in the car and drive. You can’t make a wrong turn. Consisent, beautiful and unique.

Favorite way to give back to the community?

Supporting Kravis Center’s education program.

Why you love living in Palm Beach County?

My friends, my home, the light, the weather, the Kravis Center.