Grabbing Drinks With West Palm Beach Writer Leslie Gray Streeter

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WHO: Acclaimed writer, columnist and author Leslie Gray Streeter

WHAT: The Villarosa cocktail, paired with the famous Melon Burrata of fresh cantaloupe, thinly sliced prosciutto, burrata cheese drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, freshly prepared bread and balsamic reduction; The Meats pizza of Italian double zero dough, fresh ciao sauce base, premium pepperoni, homemade meatballs, rosemary-infused ham with fresh basil and mozzarella baked at 900 degrees in a wood-burning oven imported from Naples, Italy; and The Pesto Genovese of al denté orecchiette pasta baked with grape tomatoes, fresh pesto Genovese sauce of basil, cream, garlic, pecorino cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

WHERE: MidiCi: The Neapolitan Pizza Company, 218 Clematis St., West Palm Beach 561.619.5299 / mymidici.com / @midiciwpb

Of all the celebrity interview features I’ve ever written, the one I’ll always remember most is: Sidney Poitier. He was stern and direct on the phone, very no-nonsense. But when I met him in person, he squeezed my hand like a proud grandfather. I thanked him for doing the interview, as I knew he doesn’t like doing them. “Yes,” he answered, “but I remember I liked talking to you.” I was so honored.

I’ll admit that I became more than a little star-struck when I: attempted to have a normal conversation with the very sweet Venus Williams, and my mouth wouldn’t work. It was like, “Tennis good. You awesome. I go sit somewhere now.”

Something most people, including my fans, would be shocked to learn I’m secretly a huge fan of is: the ’80s band Night Ranger. I love them more than most people would deem healthy.

Suddenly becoming a single parent and raising an adopted toddler by myself after the death of my husband has taught me: that life is precious, time is fleeting and that I am stronger than I ever imagined I’d have to be. Also, that playing pirates, and cops and robbers is amazing and everyone should do it.

The reason I decided to write my upcoming book “Black Widow,” which shares my story of suddenly losing my husband, Scott, was: part therapeutic, having to get those words out of my brain and heart, and onto a page, and because I wanted to believe that my story would help other people who had experienced loss. Words are my cure to most everything.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Leslie Gray Streeter has spent the past 15 years as a celebrated pop-culture and features columnist for the Palm Beach Post, writing about the worlds of society, celebrity, entertainment and the everyday people who comprise South Florida. Her upcoming memoir, “Black Widow,” which chronicles the unexpected death of her husband, Scott, will be released by Little, Brown and Company publishing in February 2020. Along with her 5-year-old son, Brooks Robinson Streeter-Zervitz, and her mother, Tina, Leslie currently resides in West Palm Beach.

ABOUT THE DRINK:

The Villarosa: Combine 1/2 ounce of Lazzaroni limoncello, 1/2 ounce of Absolute citron vodka and 1/2 ounce of lemonade into a shaker of ice. Shake vigorously, pour into a frosted martini glass, top with 1/2 ounce spoon-poured red wine floater and finish with fresh basil sprig.

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